EUROBAROMETER 72 PUBLIC OPINION IN THE EUROPEAN UNION Volume 2

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1 Standard Eurobarometer European Commission EUROBAROMETER 72 PUBLIC OPINION IN THE EUROPEAN UNION Volume 2 REPORT Fieldwork: October - November 2009 Standard Eurobarometer 72 / Autumn TNS opinion & social This survey was requested and coordinated by the Directorate-General for Communication ( Research and Speechwriting Unit). This document does not represent the point of view of the European Commission. The interpretations and opinions contained in it are solely those of the authors.

2 Standard Eurobarometer 72 Autumn 2009 PUBLIC OPINION IN THE EUROPEAN UNION Volume 2 Survey carried out by TNS Opinion & Social at the request of the European Commission Directorate-General Communication Coordinated by the European Commission - Directorate-General Communication TNS Opinion & Social Avenue Herrmann Debroux, Brussels Belgium 1

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS... 2 INTRODUCTION... 5 I. THE EUROPEAN UNION AND GLOBALISATION THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POWER AND INFLUENCE OF A COUNTRY OR GROUP OF COUNTRIES The most important factor Aggregate results THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION S POWER AND INFLUENCE The most important factor The aggregate results HOW EUROPEANS JUDGE GLOBALISATION Positive perceptions of globalisation Globalisation is a growth opportunity Globalisation means more foreign investments in each country Globalisation helps the development of poorer countries Globalisation enables people to be more open to external cultures Globalisation helps peace in the world Negative perceptions of globalisation Globalisation s role in increasing social inequalities Globalisation does not protect citizens from inflation Globalisation only benefits large companies, not citizens Globalisation: opportunity or threat? Demands for regulation and governance Perception of the EU s role in the face of globalisation The negative wording (SPLIT A) The positive wording (SPLIT B) THE EU IN THE FACE OF GLOBAL ECONOMIC COMPETITION The performance of the European economy compared with the United States, Japan and the BRIC countries The European Union s powers and tools for the defence of its interests

4 5. EUROPEAN UNION/UNITED STATES COMPARISON The European Union is ahead in social and environmental issues Healthcare systems Fighting social inequalities Education Fighting discrimination Fighting unemployment Protecting the environment The European Union is behind in innovation, research and entrepreneurship Scientific research Technological innovation Entrepreneurship II. EUROPEANS, THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE CRISIS HAS THE CRISIS REACHED ITS PEAK? THE IMPACT OF THE CRISIS ON HOUSEHOLDS THE MOST EFFECTIVE PLAYERS FOR TACKLING THE CRISIS THE EURO S ROLE IN THE CRISIS Public opinion in the euro zone: would these countries have been better protected with the former national currency? Public opinion outside the euro zone: would these countries have been better protected with the single currency? The mitigating impact of the euro THE MOST EFFECTIVE MEASURES TO BE TAKEN BY THE EUROPEAN UNION Measures to combat the crisis Measures to improve the performance of the European economy Measures to help European citizens overcome the effects of the crisis DOES THE ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL SYSTEM NEED REFORM? MEASURES TO BE PRIORITISED IN THE REFORM PROCESS III. THE VALUES OF EUROPEANS POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC CONCEPTS Market economy principles Free trade and protectionism The welfare state, solidarity and trade unions Security and Reforms

5 2. THE VALUES SHARED BY EUROPEANS AND THOSE WHICH BEST REPRESENT THE EUROPEAN UNION The values of Europeans The values embodied by the European Union THE VALUES EUROPEAN WOULD LIKE TO SEE EMPHASISED THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL VALUES OF EUROPEANS State and free competition How do Europeans perceive the dilemma between economic growth and preserving the environment? MONEY AND FINANCIAL PRIORITIES TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION IV. PRIORITIES FOR THE FUTURE THE EUROPEAN UNION S MAIN PRIORITIES FOR THE COMING YEARS THE PRIORITIES FOR ENSURING ECONOMIC RECOVERY THE PRIORITIES FOR COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE THE PRIORITIES FOR BOOSTING GROWTH IN A SUSTAINABLE WAY THE PRIORITIES FOR IMPROVING CITIZEN S RIGHTS THE PRIORITIES FOR HELPING TO CREATE STABILITY IN THE WORLD CONCLUSION TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

6 INTRODUCTION This wave of the Eurobarometer was carried out between 23 October and 18 November 2009 in 31 countries and territories 1 : the 27 Member States of the European Union, the three candidate countries (Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Turkey) and the Turkish Cypriot Community in the part of the country which is not controlled by the government of the Republic of Cyprus. Since spring 2008, and even more strikingly since autumn 2008, the Eurobarometer has witnessed a significant shift in European public opinion, with the financial and economic crisis influencing the perceptions and opinions of Europeans more than any other factor. In autumn 2009, some macro-economic indicators seem to show that the European economy is gradually returning to growth; nevertheless, the situation remains difficult for the job market and public finances 2. The Eurobarometer has described the complete cycle of the crisis in terms of European public opinion, showing the transition from economic confidence 3 before the economic crisis, followed by increasing concerns about the economic outlook which spread, by autumn 2008, to all areas of life, and which by spring 2009 was so acute that the indicators measuring the resilience of public opinion began to disintegrate, up to the present, where we note a number of improvements, not only in the assessment of the current situation but also in the outlook for the future. Besides the economic and financial crisis, the period has also been marked by institutional change and renewal within the European Union, in a cycle which began last June with the European elections, followed by the renewal of the European Commission, officially announced on 27 November 2009, and culminated in the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, on 1 December It is against this backdrop that this Standard Eurobarometer must be analysed. The full Standard Eurobarometer report consists of two volumes. The first volume (volume 1) analyses the results of the historical indicators of the Standard Eurobarometer. This volume (volume 2) presents the state of European public opinion on four major themes: the financial and economic crisis; globalisation; values; and the European Union s priorities. 1 Please consult the technical specifications for the exact dates of the fieldwork in each country. 2 European economic forecasts for autumn 2009: 3 The economic confidence factor reflects the way citizens feel about the economy, which is expressed in their consumption habits. In this report, economic confidence/lack of confidence has a wider meaning and includes the more general influence on opinions in areas other then the economy. 5

7 We shall examine to what extent this economic and social context has influenced, or changed, the perceptions and attitudes of Europeans with regard to globalisation, economic and social values and the future priorities on which the European Union should focus in all areas. Volume 2 is therefore divided into four main parts. In the first part, we examine how Europeans perceive globalisation. Europeans were first asked about the main characteristics of the power of a country or group of countries, and then about those of the European Union. Various aspects of globalisation are then examined, in particular as regards its economic, social and cultural consequences. Finally, we asked Europeans to assess the respective performances of the European Union and its main competitors, focusing in particular on the United States. The second part considers the economic and financial crisis at a time when some indicators seem to herald the signs of an economic recovery. After asking respondents whether the worst was over or still to come, and for their views on the current impact of the crisis on households, the report looks at the most appropriate level for dealing with the effects of the crisis. The role played by the European single currency is also analysed. Finally, we look at the post-crisis stage: what measures should be taken? does the economic and financial system need to be reformed? The third part deals with the main economic and social values of Europeans. A number of key words are analysed to determine whether they have positive or negative connotations for respondents. We then examine the values shared by Europeans and those which best represent the European Union. We asked Europeans about the values which they think should be prioritised in society to tackle the main world challenges. The economic and social values of Europeans are then analysed in detail. Finally, the last chapter looks at the way in which innovation is perceived in the European Union today. The fourth part examines the European Union s priorities for the coming years. What are they and how can each of them be achieved? The results are discussed essentially at three levels: - in comparison with the average of the 27 Member States; - nationally, that is to say to what extent they vary from one country to another; - in socio-demographic terms, that is to say the variations in accordance with certain socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents and other opinion indicators, in particular the image that respondents have of the European Union, their trust in the Union, their knowledge of the Union and their position on the political spectrum. The general and socio-demographic analyses are based on the average for the 27 Member States. This average is weighted so that it reflects the actual population of each Member State. The averages for previous years represent the results obtained in all the Member States of the European Union as it was composed at the time the survey was conducted. 6

8 This Eurobarometer was commissioned by the European Commission s Directorate- General Communication and was carried out by TNS Opinion & Social. The methodology used is that of the Standard Eurobarometer surveys of the Directorate-General Communication ( Research and Political Analysis Unit). A technical note concerning the interviews conducted by the institutes of the TNS Opinion & Social network is annexed to this report. It specifies the method used for the interviews, as well as the intervals of confidence. It should be remembered that there are four types of report for the Standard Eurobarometer. 1) First results: this report provides a summary of the most striking results with regard to the trend indicators, thereby providing a rapid overview of European public opinion on key issues. 2) Full report: a detailed analysis of the results of all the questions. 3) National reports: their analysis focuses mainly on a comparison between national results and the European Union average. These reports are published by the national representations of the European Commission and are drawn up in the national language(s). Summaries of these national reports are also published in English on the Europa Internet site. 4) National information sheets: the graphic representation of the results for each country or territory covered by the survey, illustrating the comparison between the national results and the European Union average. The Eurobarometer s Internet site can be consulted at the following address: We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the respondents across the continent who gave their time to take part in this survey. Without their active participation, this survey would not have been possible. 7

9 In this report, the countries are referred to by their official abbreviation, as follows: ABBREVIATIONS EU27 DK BE BG CZ DK D-E DE D-W EE EL ES FR IE IT CY CY (tcc) LT LV LU HU MT NL AT PL PT RO SI SK FI SE UK European Union 27 Member States Don t know Belgium Bulgaria Czech Republic Denmark East Germany Germany* West Germany Estonia Greece Spain France Ireland Italy Republic of Cyprus** Area not controlled by the government of the Republic of Cyprus Lithuania Latvia Luxembourg Hungary Malta The Netherlands Austria Poland Portugal Romania Slovenia Slovakia Finland Sweden United Kingdom HR TR MK Croatia Turkey Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*** * The data presented in the report relate exclusively to Germany as a whole. The data relative to the East and West parts of Germany are however also available in the data tables. ** Cyprus as a whole is one of the twenty-seven European Union Member States. However, the acquis communautaire has been suspended in the part of the country which is not controlled by the government of the Republic of Cyprus. For practical reasons, only the interviews carried out in the part of the country controlled by the government of the Republic of Cyprus are included in the CY category and in the EU27 average. The interviews carried out in the part of the country that is not controlled by the government of the Republic of Cyprus are included in the CY(tcc) (tcc: Turkish Cypriot Community). *** Provisional abbreviation which in no way prejudges the definitive name of this country, which will be agreed once the current negotiations at the United Nations have been completed. The specific results for CY(tcc), HR, TR and MK are shown in the Annex to this report containing the data tables. 8

10 I. THE EUROPEAN UNION AND GLOBALISATION 1. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POWER AND INFLUENCE OF A COUNTRY OR GROUP OF COUNTRIES - Economic power is the most important factor in determining a country s influence in the world - As in the previous Eurobarometer, Europeans were asked to place in order of importance the factors which determine the power and influence of a country or a group of countries in the world 4. The respondents were asked to mention two factors, in order of priority. The two answers were then aggregated to produce an overall ranking The most important factor We will begin by examining the items mentioned in first place: the results are very close to those recorded for the previous wave, in spring For Europeans, economic power remains by far the main determinant of influence in the world. Thus, 56% (+1 point since the previous wave) cited this item in first place, well ahead of political influence (24%, -1 point), military strength (10%, -1 point) and cultural influence (5%, -1 point). 4 QB1 Which of the following do you think is the most important in determining a country s or group of countries overall power and influence in the world? Firstly? And secondly? 9

11 Respondents in Greece, Bulgaria and Luxembourg (all 71%) are the most likely to mention economic power as the most important determinant of influence in the world. Respondents in Austria (46%), the United Kingdom (48%) and Portugal (48%) are the least likely to cite this factor. Interviewees in Sweden (33%) and Latvia (33%) are the most likely to mention political influence as a factor determining power. With a score of 25% (compared with a European average of 10%), respondents in Cyprus stand out by the importance that they attach to military strength. QB1a Which of the following do you think is the most important in determining a country s or group of countries overall power and influence in the world? Firstly? Its economic power Its political influence Its military strength Its cultural influence DK EU27 56% 24% 10% 5% 4% BE 57% 25% 10% 4% 3% BG 71% 13% 7% 4% 5% CZ 49% 31% 14% 5% 1% DK 49% 32% 14% 4% 1% DE 59% 25% 9% 3% 3% EE 59% 24% 8% 5% 3% IE 59% 18% 7% 7% 8% EL 71% 16% 10% 2% 1% ES 58% 23% 9% 6% 4% FR 64% 19% 9% 5% 3% IT 49% 30% 10% 7% 2% CY 57% 12% 25% 3% 3% LV 52% 33% 9% 3% 3% LT 63% 22% 8% 2% 4% LU 71% 19% 4% 3% 2% HU 56% 26% 12% 3% 2% MT 67% 13% 6% 7% 6% NL 60% 28% 6% 4% 2% AT 46% 28% 16% 7% 2% PL 57% 22% 11% 4% 5% PT 48% 26% 11% 5% 9% RO 62% 15% 14% 2% 6% SI 54% 28% 13% 2% 2% SK 51% 29% 15% 4% 1% FI 52% 26% 13% 7% 2% SE 58% 33% 3% 4% 2% UK 48% 23% 12% 8% 8% CY (tcc) 67% 17% 12% 3% 1% MK 69% 16% 9% 3% 3% HR 68% 19% 6% 2% 4% TR 48% 13% 25% 8% 5% * In bold, the highest results per country; in italics the lowest results per country; the grey rectangle shows the highest results per value; the rectangle with black borders shows the lowest results per value. 10

12 1.2. Aggregate results By combining the first and second answers, we obtain a very similar if less clear-cut ranking, indicating that for Europeans economics and politics are far more important than military strength or cultural influence. With a total score of 81%, economic power as a determinant of the influence of a country or group of countries in the world ranks ahead of political influence (63%), military strength (30%) and cultural influence (15%) 5. The most striking change since spring 2009 is the 3-point rise in the score of political influence as a determinant. In all Member States without exception, economic power is seen as the main determinant of the power and influence of a country or a group of countries. Respondents in Sweden (77%), Germany and the Netherlands are more sensitive to the political weight of a country than the European average (75% in both cases versus 63%). Cyprus is the only European Union Member State where almost two out of three respondents mentioned military strength (64%). Among the candidate countries, Turkey is not really sensitive to political influence (36%) but more attached to military strength (55%). 5 QB1T Which of the following do you think is the most important in determining a country s or group of countries overall power and influence in the world? Firstly? And secondly? Aggregate results. 11

13 QB1T Most important in determining a country's overall power and influence in the world? Its economic power Its political influence Its military strength Its cultural influence DK EU27 81% 63% 30% 15% 4% BE 82% 69% 26% 13% 3% BG 88% 54% 29% 16% 5% CZ 82% 70% 33% 12% 1% DK 87% 67% 31% 11% 1% DE 84% 75% 22% 10% 3% EE 86% 62% 27% 17% 3% IE 80% 58% 27% 15% 8% EL 91% 55% 45% 7% 1% ES 80% 58% 31% 16% 4% FR 86% 53% 33% 18% 3% IT 73% 69% 28% 20% 2% CY 87% 35% 64% 8% 3% LV 83% 73% 26% 8% 3% LT 87% 72% 20% 10% 4% LU 89% 71% 16% 14% 2% HU 85% 69% 31% 8% 2% MT 85% 52% 20% 22% 6% NL 86% 75% 23% 11% 2% AT 76% 64% 38% 14% 2% PL 80% 59% 32% 15% 5% PT 69% 59% 33% 14% 10% RO 81% 54% 37% 9% 6% SI 80% 68% 32% 9% 2% SK 80% 71% 31% 14% 1% FI 81% 62% 34% 17% 2% SE 91% 77% 17% 11% 1% UK 74% 54% 32% 19% 8% CY (tcc) 85% 48% 44% 20% 1% MK 86% 52% 33% 18% 3% HR 86% 69% 20% 14% 4% TR 71% 36% 55% 20% 5% * In bold, the highest results per country; in italics the lowest results per country; the grey rectangle shows the highest results per value; the rectangle with black borders shows the lowest results per value. A socio-demographic analysis reveals few significant differences. There is a European consensus on the ranking of the factors determining the power of a country or a group of countries, irrespective of the social categories of the people interviewed. However, men (32%) are slightly more likely than women (27%) to mention military strength. This is also true of people who left school at the age of 15 or earlier (31%) compared with those who studied until age 20 or beyond (27%). 12

14 2. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION S POWER AND INFLUENCE - For Europeans the European Union is best characterised by economic power - Having ranked the factors which determine the influence of a country or group of countries in the world, it was interesting to see how Europeans felt that these factors characterised the European Union. As in the previous question, respondents were asked to mention, by order of priority, the two factors which they though best defined the European Union 6. The two answers were then aggregated to produce an overall ranking The most important factor An analysis of the first item mentioned reveals that 47% of Europeans consider that economic power is currently the factor which best characterises the European Union, while 31% opted for its political influence. Only 8% and 6% respectively mentioned cultural influence and military strength as the most important characteristic of the European Union. These results are very much in line with those recorded in the previous wave of the Eurobarometer. There have been no significant changes in these indicators. Respondents in Luxembourg (68%), Bulgaria (60%), and Romania and Greece (both 59%) are the most likely to mention economic power as the European Union s main characteristic. This was the most frequently cited characteristic in twenty-five Member States. 6 QB2 And in your opinion, which of the following best characterises the European Union? Firstly? 13

15 Respondents in Sweden (51%) and Denmark (48%) stand out by the fact that they consider political influence to be the European Union s main characteristic, ahead of economic power. Opinions are divided in the Czech Republic: 44% mentioned economic power while 42% cited political influence. QB2a And in your opinion, which of the following best characterizes the European Union? Firstly? Its economic power Its political influence Its military strength Its cultural influence DK EU27 47% 31% 6% 8% 6% BE 49% 35% 5% 6% 3% BG 60% 24% 3% 5% 7% CZ 44% 42% 5% 7% 1% DK 42% 48% 4% 3% 3% DE 56% 30% 4% 4% 3% EE 46% 37% 4% 7% 5% IE 53% 24% 4% 7% 11% EL 59% 30% 5% 4% 1% ES 50% 31% 6% 6% 6% FR 48% 25% 6% 12% 8% IT 34% 32% 9% 15% 6% CY 53% 29% 2% 11% 4% LV 47% 38% 4% 3% 6% LT 51% 33% 3% 4% 7% LU 68% 22% 2% 6% 2% HU 44% 38% 5% 7% 4% MT 54% 26% 2% 8% 9% NL 58% 31% 3% 4% 4% AT 44% 30% 6% 12% 3% PL 49% 29% 7% 7% 7% PT 47% 26% 8% 5% 12% RO 59% 19% 10% 3% 8% SI 43% 41% 4% 4% 4% SK 49% 38% 6% 6% 1% FI 45% 40% 4% 7% 3% SE 40% 51% 1% 3% 4% UK 35% 32% 7% 10% 13% CY (tcc) 63% 22% 6% 6% 2% MK 59% 23% 7% 5% 4% HR 50% 36% 3% 3% 7% TR 48% 17% 11% 11% 12% * In bold, the highest results per country; in italics the lowest results per country; the grey rectangle shows the highest results per value; the rectangle with black borders shows the lowest results per value. 14

16 2.2. The aggregate results When the interviewees two answers are aggregated, the ranking is similar, with a score of 73% for economic power and 68% for political influence, far ahead of cultural influence (21%) and military strength (17%). For European citizens economic power is the European Union s main strength in the struggle for influence between countries or groups of countries on the world stage. By and large the national trends are similar to those described previously. Respondents in Sweden (88%) and Denmark (83%) attach the most importance to political influence, which they put on a par with economic power. Moreover, respondents in Italy and Cyprus are particularly sensitive to cultural influence (34% respectively). Respondents in the Turkish Cypriot Community and Turkey stand out by the greater importance they attach to military strength (both 27%). A socio-demographic analysis shows that this ranking of the determinants of power and influence is common to all categories of respondents. 15

17 3. HOW EUROPEANS JUDGE GLOBALISATION - Europeans have an ambivalent attitude to globalisation - The way in which Europeans perceive globalisation remains ambivalent. On the one hand, it is seen as an opportunity for economic growth, a more outward-looking attitude to culture and a lever for development. On the other hand, it is still seen as a social threat, increasing inequalities and benefiting large companies more than citizens. All in all, Europeans continue to advocate greater regulation of globalisation and worldwide governance. Overall, these perceptions of globalisation have changed little since spring 2008 (EB69) and spring 2009 (EB71) although there is a slight trend towards a more positive vision. These perceptions of globalisation are determined by national and social groupings. Respondents in Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands stand out by their positive vision of globalisation, whereas those in France and Greece seem the most sceptical. From a sociological point of view, the difference reflects the extent of social integration. Thus, the "insiders" 7, that is to say the people who are the best integrated socially and economically, have a far more positive vision of globalisation than respondents from modest and vulnerable social strata. These factors are examined in greater detail later in the report. 7 The "insiders"/"outsiders" theory or model is a theoretical model of the new Keynesian economics, which appeared in 1988, in particular with the works of the economists Assar Lindbeck and Dennis Snower. This model compares insiders, for example employees with a stable contract of employment, with unprotected workers and unemployed people. 16

18 3.1. Positive perceptions of globalisation Globalisation is a growth opportunity QB3.1 For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you agree or disagree. -Globalisation is an opportunity for economic growth - %EU Total Agree Total Disagree DK EB72 Aut % 26% 13% EB71 Sp % 27% 14% 61% of Europeans now share the view that globalisation is an opportunity for economic growth, while 26% disagree and 13% express no opinion 8. In detail, 14% totally agree and 47% tend to agree, while 20% tend to disagree and 6% totally disagree. The proportion of Europeans who agree has increased by 2 points since spring 2009 and by 5 points since 2008, suggesting that this view is strengthening in European public opinion. 8 QB3.1 For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you totally agree, tend to agree, tend to disagree or totally disagree: Globalisation is an opportunity for economic growth 17

19 Although this perception is dominant in the 27 European Union countries, there are significant differences from one country to another. Thus, while respondents in Denmark (86%) and Sweden (82%) are the most convinced, those in France (48%) and Greece (50%) are the most sceptical about this idea. However, the proportion of respondents in Greece who see globalisation as an economic opportunity has increased by 16 points since spring 2009 (EB71), whereas in France it is more or less unchanged (+1 point). In the candidate countries, 30% of respondents in Turkey did not express an opinion on globalisation; the percentage who consider that it represents a growth opportunity is therefore considerably below the European average (41%). 18

20 QB3.1 For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you totally agree, tend to agree, tend to disagree or totally disagree. Globalisation is an opportunity for economic growth Total Agree Total Disagree DK EU27 61% 26% 13% Sex Male 65% 26% 9% Female 58% 26% 16% Age % 19% 14% % 25% 9% % 29% 10% % 28% 17% Education (End of) 15-51% 29% 20% % 28% 12% % 24% 7% Still studying 70% 19% 11% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 66% 27% 7% Managers 73% 22% 5% Other white collars 68% 24% 8% Manual workers 61% 27% 12% House persons 54% 29% 17% Unemployed 56% 29% 15% Retired 54% 28% 18% Students 70% 19% 11% Self-positioning on the social staircase Low (1-4) 51% 32% 17% Medium (5-6) 62% 26% 12% High (7-10) 72% 21% 7% Trust in EU Tend to trust 75% 17% 8% Tend not to trust 51% 37% 12% Euro In favour 70% 21% 9% Against 49% 37% 14% Perceptions of globalisation are strongly influenced by the respondent s social category and personal situation. The more respondents are integrated into society the more they tend to view globalisation positively. Conversely, the social categories with difficulties or who consider themselves to be disadvantaged are less positive. Thus, respondents who left school before the age of 16 (51%), the retired (54%), unemployed people (56%), people who place themselves at the bottom of the social scale (51%) and those who have difficulties paying their bills (48%) are far less likely than those who studied until age 20 or beyond (69%), managers (73%) and the people who position themselves at the top of the social scale (72%) to believe that globalisation favours economic growth. The overwhelming support for globalisation among students is also noteworthy (70%). Perceptions of globalisation also correlate to those of the European Union. The more the respondents trust the Union, the more they tend to be positive about globalisation. The more they distrust the Union, the more they tend to distrust globalisation. Thus, 75% of those who trust the Union consider that globalisation is an opportunity for economic growth, compared with 51% of those who do not trust the Union. Similarly, 70% of those who are in favour of the euro are positive about globalisation, compared with only 49% of those who are against the euro. Thus, assessments of the European Union and globalisation seem to be partly linked. 19

21 Globalisation means more foreign investments in each country. QB3.10 For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you agree or disagree. - Globalisation means more foreign investments in (OUR COUNTRY) - %EU Total Agree Total Disagree DK EB72 Aut % 27% 14% EB69 Sp % 26% 17% As the majority of Europeans are convinced that globalisation is an opportunity for economic growth, they logically also agree that it means more foreign investments in their country 9. Thus, 59% of respondents agree with this idea, compared with 27% who disagree and 14% who did not express an opinion. In detail, 14% of respondents totally agree with this idea and 45% tend to agree. Among those rejecting this idea, 20% tend to disagree and 7% totally disagree. The proportion of Europeans in agreement has increased by 2 points since spring 2008 (EB69). 9 QB3.10 For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you totally agree, tend to agree, tend to disagree or totally disagree: Globalisation means more foreign investments in (OUR COUNTRY) 20

22 An absolute majority of respondents agree with this statement in the 27 Member States, the highest scores being recorded in Cyprus (77%) and Denmark (76%) and the lowest in Italy (53%) and Latvia (52%). The socio-demographic differences for this indicator are the same as those described previously, though less emphatically. Respondents who studied until age 20 or beyond (66%), managers (66%), other employees (63%), students (63%), those who place themselves at the top of the social scale (65%) and those who tend to trust the European Union (69%) are therefore the most likely to consider that globalisation means more foreign investment in their country. 21

23 Globalisation helps the development of poorer countries QB3.12 For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you agree or disagree. -Globalisation helps the development of poorer countries - %EU Total Agree Total Disagree DK EB72 Aut % 39% 12% EB69 Sp % 36% 16% Although opinions are relatively divided on this question, a majority of respondents in the European Union consider that globalisation contributes to the development of poorer countries 10. Thus, 49% of the people interviewed agree with this statement (10% totally agree and 39% tend to agree ) whereas 39% disagree (27% tend to disagree and 12% totally disagree ) and 12% have no opinion. The proportion of people who agree has increased by only one point since spring 2008, whereas the percentage disagreeing is up by 3 points. There are significant differences between countries in their assessment of the contribution of globalisation to development. Respondents in Denmark (68%), Slovakia (68%) and Sweden (66%) are the most likely to believe that globalisation is an opportunity for poorer countries. However an absolute majority of respondents in Greece (55%) and France (54%), and a relative majority in Slovenia (47%) and Belgium (47%), disagree. 10 QB3.12 For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you totally agree, tend to agree, tend to disagree or totally disagree: Globalisation helps the development of poorer countries 22

24 A socio-demographic analysis reveals differences which reflect the respondent s social and political integration. By way of illustration, 56% of the people who place themselves at the top of the social scale consider that globalisation helps development, compared with 43% of those who position themselves at the bottom. 57% of those for whom the European Union s image is positive also share this view, compared with only 35% of those for whom the European Union s image is negative. 23

25 QB3.12 For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you totally agree, tend to agree, tend to disagree or totally disagree. Globalisation helps the development of poorer countries Total Agree Total Disagree DK EU27 49% 39% 12% Age % 34% 12% % 40% 9% % 43% 9% % 38% 16% Education (End of) 15-43% 38% 19% % 39% 11% % 43% 6% Still studying 55% 34% 11% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 54% 38% 8% Managers 53% 42% 5% Other white collars 53% 39% 8% Manual workers 50% 39% 11% House persons 43% 41% 16% Unemployed 46% 40% 14% Retired 45% 38% 17% Students 55% 34% 11% Difficulties paying bills Most of the time 42% 41% 17% From time to time 47% 40% 13% Almost never 52% 38% 10% Self-positioning on the social staircase Low (1-4) 43% 42% 15% Medium (5-6) 50% 39% 11% High (7-10) 56% 37% 7% Image of EU Positive 57% 34% 9% Neutral 45% 40% 15% Negative 35% 53% 12% 24

26 Globalisation enables people to be more open to external cultures - Globalisation enables people to be more open to external cultures, even if this outward looking approach worries a significant proportion of Europeans - Judged favourably in its economic dimension, as an opportunity for growth, a source of investment and to a lesser extent as a lever for development, globalisation is also viewed positively in its cultural impact. QB3.13 For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you agree or disagree. - Globalisation enables people to be more open to external cultures - %EU Total Agree Total Disagree DK EB72 Aut % 23% 11% EB69 Sp % 23% 15% 66% of Europeans consider that globalisation enables people to be more open to external cultures 11, whereas only 23% disagree and 11% express no opinion. In detail, 16% of Europeans totally agree and 50% tend to agree. Only 6% of respondents totally disagree and 17% tend to disagree. This view has strengthened since spring 2009, since the proportion of Europeans regarding globalisation as a source of cultural expansion has increased by 4 points. This has not resulted in a reduction of the numbers disagreeing with the statement, which remains unchanged, but in a 4-point fall in DK answers. This is generally the majority view in the 27 European Union countries: the highest scores were recorded in Cyprus (79%) and Sweden (79%), while the lowest scores were recorded in Romania (57%), Ireland (58%) and France (61%). In the candidate countries, the situation in Turkey is somewhat unusual, in that only 39% of respondents agree that globalisation enables people to be more open to external cultures. However, this is due to the high number of DK answers (34%) rather than to widespread disagreement (27%). 11 QB3.13 For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you totally agree, tend to agree, tend to disagree or totally disagree: globalisation enables people to be more open to external cultures 25

27 Although the strength of opinion varies with the criteria of social integration previously identified, a majority of respondents in all social categories agree that globalisation makes people more open to external cultures. Logically, support for this statement increases with the respondent s level of education: 58% of those who left school at the age of 15 or earlier, 67% of those who completed their studies between the ages of 16 and 19, 72% of those who studied until age 20 or beyond and 71% of students. 26

28 However, and this is the other side of the coin, this cultural openness worries many Europeans, who see it as a threat to their national culture 12. Thus, although 47% of Europeans disagree that globalisation poses a threat to their national culture, 41% see it as a threat, and 12% express no opinion. A breakdown of the answers shows that 34% interviewees tend to disagree and 13% totally disagree. On the other hand, 11% totally agree and 30% tend to agree. The 6-point difference between those who see no threat and those who do is identical to that recorded in spring 2008 (45% versus 39%). Once again, the proportion of DK answers has fallen sharply (-4 points). It seems that Europeans are gradually becoming polarized on the question of globalisation. QB3.7 For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you agree or disagree. - Globalisation represents a threat to (NATIONALITY) culture - %EU Total Agree Total Disagree DK EB72 Aut % 47% 12% EB69 Sp % 45% 16% All in all, the question of globalisation as a cultural threat creates strong divisions within the European Union countries. In thirteen states, a majority of respondents are not worried about the cultural repercussions of globalisation. Respondents in Sweden (63%), Germany (65%) and Denmark (62%) are the least worried for their national culture. In eleven countries, however, fears for the national culture predominate. Thus, a majority see globalisation as a threat to national culture in Cyprus (66% versus 21%), Greece (62% versus 35%), Austria (57% versus 40%), Hungary (53% versus 40%), the United Kingdom (52% versus 34%), Ireland (47% versus 30%), Portugal (47% versus 34%), Latvia (46% versus 39%), Italy (46% versus 41%), Romania (42% versus 39%) and Lithuania (41% versus 38%). In the remaining three Member States, respondents are almost split down the middle on this question. Opinions are evenly divided in France (47% agree that globalisation is threat, 46% disagree), Estonia (44% versus 45%) and Slovenia (46% versus 47%). 12 QB3.7 For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you totally agree, tend to agree, tend to disagree or totally disagree: Globalisation represents a threat to (NATIONALITY) culture 27

29 Concerns about the threat to national culture posed by globalisation are greater in the more modest than in the higher strata of European society. 53% of those who place themselves at the top of the social scale do not see globalisation as a threat to their culture, compared with only 40% of those who place themselves towards the bottom. Globalisation is not a threat to the national culture for 52% of those who have no problems paying their bills at the end of the month, compared with only 38% of those with financial difficulties. 56% of those who trust the European Union are not worried about their country s cultural identity compared with 39% of those who do not trust the Union. 28

30 QB3.7 For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you totally agree, tend to agree, tend to disagree or totally disagree. Globalisation represents a threat to (NATIONALITY) culture Total agree Total disagree DK EU27 41% 47% 12% Education (End of) 15-43% 38% 19% % 46% 11% % 56% 5% Still studying 37% 53% 10% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 43% 49% 8% Managers 37% 60% 3% Other white collars 42% 51% 7% Manual workers 41% 47% 12% House persons 40% 42% 18% Unemployed 44% 43% 13% Retired 43% 41% 16% Students 37% 53% 10% Difficulties paying bills Most of the time 46% 38% 16% From time to time 45% 41% 14% Almost never 39% 52% 9% Self-positioning on the social staircase Low (1-4) 45% 40% 15% Medium (5-6) 41% 48% 11% High (7-10) 40% 53% 7% Trust in EU Tend to trust 36% 56% 8% Tend not to trust 50% 39% 11% Euro In favour 37% 55% 8% Against 51% 36% 13% 29

31 Globalisation helps peace in the world QB3.6 For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you agree or disagree. - Globalisation helps peace in the world - %EU Total Agree Total Disagree DK EB72 Aut % 38% 13% EB69 Sp % 39% 17% Opinions remain somewhat divided on the contribution of globalisation to peace to the world, but there is a trend towards a more positive perception of its role since spring % of Europeans believe that globalisation helps peace in the world 13, 5 points higher than in spring 2008, while 38% take the opposite view, one point down on % gave no opinion (-4 points). In detail, 10% of respondents totally agree and 39% tend to agree, while 26% of respondents tend to disagree and 12% totally disagree. A majority of respondents in four countries, namely France (52%) and Greece (51%), - which are certainly the two countries that are the least positive about globalisation - Slovenia (50%) and Spain (46%) do not believe that globalisation contributes to peace. Opinions are evenly divided in Austria (48% versus 47%) and Ireland (36% versus 37%). Respondents in Sweden (73%), Slovakia (66%), Denmark (66%), Estonia (60%), Finland (60%) and Germany (59%) are the most convinced of globalisation s positive contribution to world peace. 13 QB3.6 For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you totally agree, tend to agree, tend to disagree or totally disagree: Globalisation helps peace in the world 30

32 As in the case of other aspects of the image of globalisation, its contribution to world peace is the better regarded the more respondents are socially integrated, well-off, welleducated and confident about their personal future and that of the Union. 31

33 3.2. Negative perceptions of globalisation Although the economic and cultural effects of globalisation are generally seen as beneficial, its social consequences are viewed negatively. Europeans see it as a social threat and feel that it benefits large companies rather than citizens Globalisation s role in increasing social inequalities QB3.2 For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you agree or disagree - Globalisation increases social inequalities - %EU Total Agree Total Disagree DK EB72 Aut % 26% 14% EB71 Sp % 23% 15% 60% of Europeans agree that globalisation increases social inequalities (19% totally agree and 41% tend to agree ) 14. Although this percentage has fallen by two points since spring 2009 it is still 4 points higher than in spring On the other hand, 26% (+3 points since spring 2009) disagree (22% tend to disagree and 4% totally disagree ) and 14% express no opinion. These changes since spring 2008 may be the result of the financial and economic crisis, which has perhaps intensified negative perceptions of globalisation. 14 QB3.2 For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you totally agree, tend to agree, tend to disagree or totally disagree: Globalisation increases social inequalities 32

34 The vision of globalisation as aggravating social inequalities is the majority view in all European Union countries, except for the Netherlands, where opinions are evenly divided (46% versus 46%), and Malta (32% versus 34% with a very high rate of DK answers (34%)). The highest scores were recorded in Greece (78%), Slovenia (76%), France (75%) and Luxembourg (73%). This perception is dominant in all sections of European society, including those already described as being the most in favour of globalisation. Thus, 63% of respondents who studied until age 20 or beyond, 65% of managers and 57% of those who place themselves at the top of the social scale consider that globalisation increases social inequalities. 33

35 There is therefore a broad consensus in European opinion, irrespective of social status, that globalisation is a social threat. In political terms, although this view is more widespread among those on the left of the political spectrum, it is also shared by a majority of those on the right. QB3.2 For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you totally agree, tend to agree, tend to disagree or totally disagree. Globalisation increases social inequalities Total Agree Total Disagree DK EU27 60% 26% 14% Age % 30% 16% % 27% 11% % 26% 11% % 24% 18% Education (End of) 15-58% 21% 21% % 26% 14% % 30% 7% Still studying 56% 29% 15% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 63% 29% 8% Managers 65% 30% 5% Other white collars 60% 31% 9% Manual workers 60% 26% 14% House persons 57% 22% 21% Unemployed 62% 21% 17% Retired 58% 23% 19% Students 56% 29% 15% Left-Right scale (1-4) Left 65% 25% 10% (5-6) Centre 63% 25% 12% (7-10) Right 57% 30% 13% Difficulties paying bills Most of the time 60% 21% 19% From time to time 60% 24% 16% Almost never 60% 28% 12% Self-positioning on the social staircase Low (1-4) 62% 21% 17% Medium (5-6) 60% 26% 14% High (7-10) 57% 34% 9% Trust in EU Tend to trust 59% 30% 11% Tend not to trust 65% 23% 12% Euro In favour 61% 29% 10% Against 61% 23% 16% 34

36 Globalisation does not protect citizens from inflation QB3.5 For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you agree or disagree. - Globalisation protects us from price increases - %EU Total Agree Total Disagree DK EB72 Aut % 59% 14% EB69 Sp % 61% 17% 59% of Europeans disagree that globalisation helps to protect them from rising prices, i.e. 2 points less than in spring 2008, while 27%, up by 5 points, agree that globalisation protects them from inflation. Finally, 14% express no opinion (-3 percentage points). 15 In detail, 36% tend to disagree and 23% totally disagree. On the other hand, 5% totally agree and 22% tend to agree with this idea. 15 QB3.5 For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you totally agree, tend to agree, tend to disagree or totally disagree: Globalisation protects us from price increases. 35

37 Except in Slovakia (45% agree versus 43%), a large majority of respondents in all European Union countries do not feel that globalisation protects them from inflation, most notably in France (79%), Greece (73%) and Germany (71%). Although the respondents who are the most favoured socially (who place themselves at the top of the social scale, 35%) and economically (managers, 29%; self-employed people, 34%) are slightly more likely to consider that globalisation protects them from price increases, this idea still only enjoys minority support in these categories. As with the negative social image of globalisation, there is a consensus in Europe that globalisation provides no protection from price increases. 36

38 Globalisation only benefits large companies, not citizens - Europeans do not feel that they benefit from globalisation - Almost two-thirds of Europeans (64%, +1 point since spring 2008) consider that globalisation benefits large companies more than citizens, while 25% (+3 points) disagree with this idea and 11% (-4 points) express no opinion. 16 A breakdown of the answers shows that 26% of respondents totally agree and 38% tend to agree, while of the 25% who disagree, 20% tend to disagree and 5% totally disagree. QB3.9 For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you agree or disagree. - Globalisation is profitable only for large companies, not for citizens - %EU Total Agree Total Disagree DK EB72 Aut % 25% 11% EB69 Sp % 22% 15% The feeling of exclusion from the benefits of globalisation is strongest in Greece (84%), France (76%), Slovenia and Cyprus (both 74%), and Austria (73%). Denmark (46% agree versus 50%) and Sweden (47% versus 48%) are the only two countries where opinions are evenly balanced. Once again, we observe the national differences already recorded in respect of other aspects of the image of globalisation. We can thus identify a group of countries - France, Greece, Slovenia and Austria - where the public tends to be resistant to and suspicious of globalisation. 16 QB3.9 For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you totally agree, tend to agree, tend to disagree or totally disagree: Globalisation is profitable only for large companies, not for citizens 37

39 In contrast, respondents in northern and central Europe, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Slovakia and Estonia tend in general to be more favourably disposed towards globalisation. Once again, there is a broad consensus in European opinion on this perception of globalisation, with the most economically and socially advantaged respondents considering, in proportions very close to the European average, that globalisation benefits large companies and not citizens. 38

40 QB3.9 For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you totally agree, tend to agree, tend to disagree or totally disagree. Globalisation is profitable only for large companies, not for citizens Total agree Total disagree DK EU27 64% 25% 11% Age % 29% 13% % 27% 9% % 25% 8% % 22% 15% Education (End of) 15-66% 17% 17% % 24% 11% % 32% 6% Still studying 56% 33% 11% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 63% 30% 7% Managers 62% 34% 4% Other white collars 63% 30% 7% Manual workers 67% 22% 11% House persons 61% 21% 18% Unemployed 66% 22% 12% Retired 65% 20% 15% Students 56% 33% 11% Left-Right scale (1-4) Left 67% 26% 7% (5-6) Centre 65% 26% 9% (7-10) Right 60% 31% 9% Difficulties paying bills Most of the time 66% 18% 16% From time to time 65% 22% 13% Almost never 62% 28% 10% Self-positioning on the social staircase Low (1-4) 68% 18% 14% Medium (5-6) 64% 25% 11% High (7-10) 60% 33% 7% Trust in EU Tend to trust 60% 31% 9% Tend not to trust 71% 20% 9% Membership EU A good thing 60% 31% 9% A bad thing 73% 18% 9% Neither good nor bad 68% 19% 13% Euro In favour 63% 29% 8% Against 69% 19% 12% 39

41 3.3. Globalisation: opportunity or threat? - European opinion is evenly divided over the economic benefits and social consequences of globalisation - When asked whether the economic benefits or the social risks of globalisation were uppermost in their mind 17, 43% of respondents see globalisation primarily as a good opportunity for their country s companies, thanks to the opening up of markets, whereas 42% see it more as a threat to employment and companies. These results are practically unchanged since spring 2009, confirming that European opinion is evenly divided on this question. A majority of respondents primarily see globalisation as an opportunity for companies in Denmark (70%), Sweden (64%), Slovakia (64%), Estonia (63%) and the Netherlands (61%). It is primarily seen as a threat to jobs in France (70%), Greece (63%), Latvia (59%) and Belgium (56%). In total, a majority of respondents in 14 European Union States see globalisation as an economic opportunity. Conversely, a majority of respondents in ten European Union countries see it as a threat. Finally, in four countries, Ireland, Italy, Finland and the United Kingdom, opinions are evenly divided. 17 QB4a Which of the following two statements is closest to your opinion regarding globalisation? Globalisation represents a good opportunity for (NATIONALITY) companies thanks to the opening-up of markets. Globalisation represents a threat to employment and companies in (OUR COUNTRY) 40

42 There are significant sociological and social divisions on this question. Opinions are strongly influenced by the respondent s gender, age, level of education, social position and where they live. Economic opportunity outweighs the social threat for men (46% versus 41%), while the opposite is true for women (40% versus 43%). The perception of globalisation as an economic opportunity also decreases linearly with age, from 50% among those aged 15 to 24 to 38% for those aged 55 or over. Similarly, the most educated respondents see globalisation primarily as an economic opportunity (52% versus 39%) whereas those who left school before the age of 16 see it primarily as a threat (46%, versus 32% who see it as an opportunity). The least advantaged social categories tend to see globalisation more as a threat to jobs than as an opportunity for companies. Thus, 50% of those who place themselves at the bottom of the social scale see it as a threat, compared with only 34% of those who place themselves at the top. 41

43 Finally, city dwellers (47% versus 38%) tend to see globalisation as an opportunity, whereas people living in rural areas see it chiefly as a threat (46% versus 38%). QB4a Which one of the following two statements is closest to your opinion regarding globalisation? Globalisation represents a good opportunity for (NATIONALITY) companies thanks to the opening-up of markets Globalisation represents a threat to employment and companies in (OUR COUNTRY) DK EU27 43% 42% 15% Sex Male 46% 41% 13% Female 40% 43% 17% Age % 36% 14% % 42% 13% % 44% 13% % 44% 18% Education (End of) 15-32% 46% 22% % 45% 14% % 39% 9% Still studying 54% 32% 14% Subjective urbanisation Rural village 38% 46% 16% Small/mid size town 44% 42% 14% Large town 47% 38% 15% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 49% 40% 11% Managers 57% 35% 8% Other white collars 46% 40% 14% Manual workers 40% 46% 14% House persons 33% 46% 21% Unemployed 39% 46% 15% Retired 36% 45% 19% Students 54% 32% 14% Difficulties paying bills Most of the time 30% 50% 20% From time to time 37% 46% 17% Almost never 47% 40% 13% Self-positioning on the social staircase Low (1-4) 31% 50% 19% Medium (5-6) 43% 43% 14% High (7-10) 56% 34% 10% 42

44 3.4. Demands for regulation and governance Although they perceive its overall economic and cultural benefits, Europeans also have reservations about globalisation. These reservations create a strong social demand for more and better regulation. This demand also undoubtedly reflects the numerous calls from politicians and economic operators for greater regulation of the financial system following the crisis. QB3.3 For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you agree or disagree. - Globalisation requires common global rules ("worldwide governance") - %EU Total Agree Total Disagree DK EB72 Aut % 14% 12% EB71 Sp % 14% 13% Thus, almost three-quarters of Europeans (74%) believe that globalisation requires common international rules and worldwide governance 18. Only 14% believe that such measures are not necessary and 12% express no opinion. The proportion of respondents calling for worldwide governance has increased by one point since spring The demand for worldwide governance has overwhelming support in all European Union countries, especially in Slovakia and Germany (both 85%), Slovenia and Spain (both 80%). It is backed by all social categories in similar proportions. This call for governance is perhaps heightened by a new awareness that the European Union and US interests converge as regards globalisation. 18 QB3.3 For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you totally agree, tend to agree, tend to disagree or totally disagree: Globalisation requires common global rules ( worldwide governance ). 43

45 Thus, whereas in spring 2008 a narrow relative majority of Europeans (41% versus 37%) believed that the interests of the European Union and the United States differed 19, the opposite is now true: 44% of Europeans believe that the European Union and the United State have the same interests with regard to globalisation, while 37% disagree and 19% express no opinion. Barack Obama s election may explain this change in European public opinion, since the previous survey was conducted at the time of the Bush administration. QB3.4 For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you agree or disagree. - The EU and the USA have the same interests when dealing with globalisation - %EU Total Agree Total Disagree DK EB72 Aut % 37% 19% EB69 Sp % 41% 22% Opinions regarding European and American interests vary quite considerably from one European Union country to another. A strong majority of respondents in Hungary (65%), Greece (67%) and Austria (56%) are convinced that their interests converge. Conversely, respondents in Sweden (50%), Finland (50%) and France (49%) see a clear divergence between European and American interests. The feeling that European and American interests diverge is also widespread in the United Kingdom (49% versus 31%), which historically has had a special relationship with the United States. 19 QB3.4 For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you totally agree, tend to agree, tend to disagree or totally disagree: The EU and the USA have the same interests when dealing with globalisation. 44

46 A socio-demographic analysis reveals few differences on this question. More significant is the way in which respondents perceive the European Union. The more they are in favour of the European Union the more likely they are to feel that the European Union s interests converge with those of the United States when dealing with globalisation. This view is held by 52% of those who trust the EU and 50% of those who support the euro, compared with only 37% of those who do not trust the EU and 36% of those who are opposed to the euro. 45

47 3.5. Perception of the EU s role in the face of globalisation In order to apprehend the complex nature of globalisation, the total sample was divided into two equal groups. Each group was asked a question about the European Union s capacity to act effectively on behalf of its citizens when dealing with globalisation. One question was worded positively, the other negatively. 20 The sample was split and a different version was proposed to each half 21. SPLIT A: "The European Union helps to protect European citizens from the negative effects of globalisation". SPLIT B: "The European Union enables European citizens to better benefit from the positive effects of globalisation". QB For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you agree or disagree. -%EU The European Union helps to protect European citizens from the negative effects of globalisation (IF 'SPLIT A') Total Agree Totoal disagree DK EB72 Aut % 37% 17% EB71 Sp % 36% 17% The European Union enables European citizens to better benefit from the positive effects of globalisation (IF 'SPLIT B') EB72 Aut % 28% 17% EB71 Sp % 30% 16% The negative wording (SPLIT A) When the question was worded negatively, 46% of Europeans replied that the European Union helps to protect them from the negative effects of globalisation, while 37% disagreed and 17% expressed no opinion. These figures have not changed significantly since the previous survey in spring The protective function of the Union is most likely to be perceived by respondents in Slovakia (62%) and Denmark (61%). It is much less felt in France (55%) and Greece (49%). 20 QB3.15 For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you totally agree, tend to agree, tend to disagree or totally disagree. Split A: The EU helps to protect European citizens from the negative effects of globalisation. Split B: The European Union enables European citizens to better benefit from the positive effects of globalisation 21 The split ballot method used in opinion polls. 46

48 In sociological terms, the sense of protection is much more fragile at the bottom of the social scale than at the top. Thus, 37% of those who place themselves at the bottom of the scale feel that the EU helps to protect its citizens from the negative effects of globalisation, compared to 52% of those who classify themselves at the top. 37% of the least educated respondents and 35% of those with financial difficulties (that is to say those who struggle to pay their bills most of the time) feel protected, compared with 51% of the most educated respondents and 48% of those who do not have financial worries. In other words, the more respondents need protection, the less they feel that the EU cushions them against the negative effects of globalisation. 47

49 QB3.15 For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you totally agree, tend to agree, tend to disagree or totally disagree. (ONLY TO SPLIT A) The European Union helps to protect European citizens from the negative effects of globalisation Total Agree Total Disagree DK EU27 46% 37% 17% Sex Male 48% 39% 13% Female 44% 36% 20% Age % 31% 17% % 39% 14% % 40% 14% % 36% 21% Education (End of) 15-37% 38% 25% % 38% 16% % 40% 9% Still studying 53% 30% 17% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 48% 37% 15% Managers 51% 40% 9% Other white collars 52% 35% 13% Manual workers 45% 40% 15% House persons 39% 38% 23% Unemployed 42% 39% 19% Retired 42% 37% 21% Students 53% 30% 17% Left-Right scale (1-4) Left 45% 43% 12% (5-6) Centre 48% 38% 14% (7-10) Right 49% 34% 17% Difficulties paying bills Most of the time 35% 44% 21% From time to time 45% 37% 18% Almost never 48% 37% 15% Self-positioning on the social staircase Low (1-4) 37% 42% 21% Medium (5-6) 47% 37% 16% High (7-10) 52% 35% 13% Trust in EU Tend to trust 61% 27% 12% Tend not to trust 33% 52% 15% Euro In favour 54% 33% 13% Against 34% 48% 18% The positive wording (SPLIT B) When the question was worded positively, support for the positive role played by the European Union in dealing with globalisation is far stronger. Thus, 55% of Europeans consider that the European Union helps citizens to benefit more effectively from the positive effects of globalisation, while 28% do not agree and 17% express no opinion. The proportion of Europeans who are positive about the European Union s role has increased by one point since spring 2009 (EB71) but by 7 points since spring 2008 (EB70), confirming that this opinion is gaining ground. 48

50 Respondents in Sweden (74%), Slovakia (70%) and Denmark (70%) are the most likely to be convinced of the EU s positive role. Conversely, those in Greece (48%), Ireland (47%), France (45%) and Latvia (40%) are the most sceptical. However, a majority of respondents in all EU Member States assert that the Union plays a positive role, except in Greece where opinions are evenly divided (48% versus 48%). Once again, the least economically and socially advantaged respondents are less likely to consider that the European Union s role is positive, although the idea of a Europe which enables its citizens to benefit from the positive effects of globalisation predominates in all social categories. Ultimately, a majority of European are positive about the EU s role in dealing with globalisation whether the question is worded positively or negatively. However, approval is more marked when it is a question of the EU enabling its citizens to benefit from globalisation than when it is a question of protecting them from its negative effects. 49

51 4. THE EU IN THE FACE OF GLOBAL ECONOMIC COMPETITION 4.1. The performance of the European economy compared with the United States, Japan and the BRIC countries Some people see globalisation as a competition between the world s major economies. It is therefore interesting and relevant to see how Europeans place their own economy in comparison with its main rivals, whether it be the emerging economies of the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) or the major industrialised economies (the United States and Japan). On the world economic stage, Europeans feel that the European economy is performing better than its Brazilian, Russian and Indian rivals 22, while its performance is at more or less the same level as the US economy. Finally, they consider that the European economy is lagging behind its Asian, Chinese and Japanese rivals. QB5 Would you say that the European economy is performing better, performing worse or performing as well as the economy? - % EU Russian Performing better Performing as well as Performing worse DK EB72 Aut % 13% 19% 21% EB71 Sp % 14% 18% 23% Brazilian EB72 Aut % 11% 16% 27% EB71 Sp % 10% 15% 30% Indian EB72 Aut % 12% 23% 22% EB71 Sp % 11% 22% 24% American EB72 Aut % 27% 32% 11% EB71 Sp % 26% 31% 12% Chinese EB72 Aut % 13% 43% 17% EB71 Sp % 14% 38% 20% Japanese EB72 Aut % 17% 41% 18% EB71 Sp % 17% 39% 21% 22 QB5 Would you say that the European economy is performing better, performing worse or performing as well as the economy? 50

52 Almost half of Europeans consider that the European economy is performing better than the Russian (47%, +2 points since spring 2009), Brazilian (46%, +1) and Indian (43%, unchanged) economies. Only a small minority (19% for the Russian economy, 16% for the Brazilian economy and 23% for the Indian economy) take the opposite view. There were also a high number of DK answers for these three comparisons: 27% of respondents expressed no opinion for the comparison with the Brazilian economy, while the DK rates for the Indian and Russian economies were 22% and 21% respectively. Despite the economic and financial crisis, opinion still believes that the European economy is performing better than these three economies. Comparison with the US economy provokes a divided response: 30% consider that the European economy is more dynamic (-1 point since spring 2009, but -6 since spring 2008) while 32% (+1 and +4 points respectively) take the opposite view. These changes since spring 2008 show a slightly downward trend in positive opinions about the European economy compared with the American economy. There is a similar trend in the comparison with the Chinese economy. The proportion of Europeans who consider that the European economy is lagging behind the Chinese economy has increased to 43%, 5 points higher than last spring. Whereas in spring % of respondents considered that the European economy was more dynamic than the Chinese economy compared with 39% who took the opposite view, the corresponding figures are now 27% versus 43%. This is undoubtedly one of the effects of the economic and financial crisis which has accentuated the public impression that the European economy cannot match Chinese growth. Although 41% of respondents (+2 points since spring 2009) now consider that the European economy is less dynamic than the Japanese economy, the difference between those who consider that the European economy is less dynamic and those who think that it is more dynamic is the same as in spring 2008 (42% versus 23% compared with 41% versus 24% today). A majority in all European Union countries believe that that the European economy is outperforming the Brazilian and Indian economies, though some, such as Romania, Ireland, Malta, Portugal, Latvia, Poland and Bulgaria, recorded a very high rate of DK answers. The same applies to the comparison with the Russian economy, again with very high DK rates in Malta (60%), Ireland (44%), the United Kingdom (39%) and Portugal (36%). As regards the comparison with the American economy, respondents in Spain (50%), Lithuania (45%), Latvia (40%) and Hungary (41%) are the most likely to consider that the European economy is less dynamic. However, the impression that the European economy is stronger than the American economy is particularly widespread in the Nordic countries (65% in Denmark, 62% in Finland and 66% in Sweden) and the Netherlands (64%). 51

53 In only five European Union countries do respondents consider than the European economy is performing better than the Chinese economy: Finland (47% of respondents think that the European economy is more dynamic versus 34%), Austria (44% versus 29%), Slovakia (44% versus 29%), Estonia (42% versus 34%) and Lithuania (40% versus 33%). Finally, the Japanese economy comes out on top in the comparison, except in five European Union countries where opinions are more evenly divided: Austria (38% think that the European economy is more dynamic than the Japanese economy versus 28%), Denmark (33% versus 25%), Finland (35% versus 31%), Germany (35% versus 32%) and Sweden (31% versus 30%). In short, these analyses show that respondents in the three Nordic countries and the Netherlands rate the performance of the European economy particularly highly. A socio-demographic analysis reveals that all social categories agree that the European economy is performing better than its Indian, Brazilian and Russian competitors. However the DK rates are higher among women, people who finished their studies before the age of 20 and those self-positioned at the bottom of the social scale. Interestingly, while the comparison with the Chinese economy is unaffected by differences in the respondent s social position, this criterion comes into play for the comparison with the American economy. Thus the proportion of respondents who consider that the Chinese economy is more dynamic is almost identical among those at the top of the social scale (45%) and those at the bottom (42%). There are also no significant differences reflecting the respondent s level of education. However, the picture is very different when we turn to the comparison with the American economy. 37% of those who place themselves at the top of the social scale and 38% of the most educated respondents believe that the European economy is more dynamic, compared with only 24% of those self-positioned at the bottom of the social scale and the least educated respondents. In short, the superiority of the Chinese economy is a belief common to all sections of the population, while the idea that the American economy is superior is far more prevalent in the more disadvantaged social strata than in the higher categories. 52

54 QB5 Would you say that the European economy is performing better, performing worse or performing as well as the economy? - % Performing better Russian Brazilian Indian American Chinese Japanese EU27 47% 46% 43% 30% 27% 24% Sex Male 51% 51% 46% 32% 29% 27% Female 42% 42% 41% 28% 25% 21% Education (End of) 15-38% 38% 38% 24% 26% 22% % 44% 42% 29% 26% 23% % 55% 48% 38% 28% 26% Still studying 51% 55% 53% 33% 32% 28% Respondent occupation scale Self- employed 51% 50% 47% 33% 29% 23% Managers 57% 56% 46% 38% 26% 29% Other white collars 46% 46% 43% 34% 26% 23% Manual workers 45% 47% 44% 29% 27% 23% House persons 41% 39% 39% 25% 27% 23% Unemployed 46% 48% 47% 27% 29% 22% Retired 44% 40% 37% 27% 24% 23% Students 51% 55% 53% 33% 32% 28% Difficulties paying bills Most of the time 37% 37% 39% 21% 25% 22% From time to time 43% 44% 42% 26% 27% 21% Almost never 51% 50% 45% 34% 27% 25% Self-positioning on the social staircase Low (1-4) 43% 45% 42% 24% 25% 22% Medium (5-6) 47% 46% 44% 30% 27% 23% High (7-10) 51% 51% 45% 37% 29% 27% Trust in EU Tend to trust 54% 54% 50% 35% 31% 26% Tend not to trust 41% 41% 38% 27% 24% 23% Membership EU A good thing 56% 56% 50% 37% 30% 27% A bad thing 35% 34% 36% 25% 25% 23% Neither good nor bad 38% 38% 37% 23% 23% 19% Euro In favour 53% 53% 48% 34% 29% 26% Against 39% 38% 38% 25% 25% 22% 53

55 4.2. The European Union s powers and tools for the defence of its interests Although Europe is therefore seen as lagging behind Asia in terms of economic growth, it is still perceived to be sufficiently equipped to compete with its rivals. 61% of Europeans consider that the European Union has sufficient powers and tools to defend its economic interests 23, while 25% disagree and 14% express no opinion. The proportion who considers that the European Union is sufficiently equipped to defend its interests has fallen sharply, by 5 points, since the previous Eurobarometer survey, while the number who takes the opposite view has increased by 2 points. The number of DK answers has risen by 3 points. Certainly, this development should to be seen in conjunction with the previous question and in particular with the increased perception that the Chinese economy is outperforming the European economy. The financial and economic crisis has therefore somewhat undermined the way in which Europeans perceive the EU s ability to compete with its global economic rivals and in particular Chinese growth. QB3.14 For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you agree or disagree. - The EU has sufficient power and tools to defend its economic interests in the global economy -%EU Total Agree Total Disagree DK EB72 Aut % 25% 14% EB71 Sp % 23% 11% There is widespread support in all 27 EU Member States for the statement that that Europe is sufficiently equipped to defend its economic interests, above all in Slovakia (74%), Greece (70%) and Denmark (69%). Conversely, public opinion in Ireland (47%), the United Kingdom (52%) and France (55%) is the least convinced. 23 QB3.14 For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you totally agree, tend to agree, tend to disagree or totally disagree. The EU has sufficient power and tools to defend its economic interests in the global economy 54

56 There is widespread support in all social categories for the statement that the European Union is sufficiently equipped to defend its interests in the global economy. However, this impression is stronger in the higher than in the lower social categories. Thus, 70% of those who place themselves at the top of the social scale, 64% of those without financial problems, 67% of the most educated respondents and 69% of managers all believe that the EU has sufficient powers and tools to defend its economic interests in the global economy, compared with 53% of those who place themselves at the bottom of the social scale, 52% of those who have financial difficulties and who left school before the age of 16, and 58% of manual workers and unemployed people. 55

57 The way in which respondents perceive the European Union logically influences their opinion on this question: 75% of those for whom the European Union s image is positive and 72% of those who are optimistic about its future consider that it has enough powers and tools to take on its competitors, compared with 41% of those who believe that the EU s image is negative and 42% of those who are pessimistic about its future. QB3.14 For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you totally agree, tend to agree, tend to disagree or totally disagree. The EU has sufficient power and tools to defend its economic interests in the global economy Total agree Total disagree DK EU27 61% 25% 14% Sex Male 65% 25% 10% Female 58% 25% 17% Age % 21% 14% % 24% 10% % 27% 11% % 26% 18% Education (End of) 15-52% 26% 22% % 26% 13% % 26% 7% Still studying 71% 17% 12% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 67% 24% 9% Managers 69% 25% 6% Other white collars 68% 24% 8% Manual workers 58% 27% 15% House persons 55% 26% 19% Unemployed 58% 26% 16% Retired 55% 26% 19% Students 71% 17% 12% Difficulties paying bills Most of the time 52% 29% 19% From time to time 59% 26% 15% Almost never 64% 24% 12% Self-positioning on the social staircase Low (1-4) 53% 29% 18% Medium (5-6) 62% 25% 13% High (7-10) 70% 22% 8% Trust in EU Tend to trust 74% 17% 9% Tend not to trust 49% 37% 14% Image of EU Positive 75% 17% 8% Neutral 54% 28% 18% Negative 41% 44% 15% Future of the EU Optimistic 72% 19% 9% Pessimistic 42% 42% 16% 56

58 5. EUROPEAN UNION/UNITED STATES COMPARISON European citizens consider that the European Union is ahead of the United States in all social areas and in protecting the environment, but behind when it comes to innovation, research and entrepreneurship. The results portray a European Union that provides more social protection, is fairer and is more attentive to environmental concerns than the United States, but which is behind in the forward-looking fields of research and innovation. Thus, an absolute or relative majority of Europeans consider that the European Union is ahead of the United States in the areas of health, education, fighting social inequalities and discrimination, fighting unemployment and protecting the environment. Conversely, a relative majority of Europeans consider that the European Union is lagging behind in scientific research, technological innovation and entrepreneurship. 57

59 QF2 For each of the following, please tell me whether in your opinion the European Union is ahead, behind or at the same level as the United States * New item Ahead At the same level Behind DK The healthcare system EB72 Aut % 13% 19% 9% EB66 Sp % 19% 23% 9% Protecting the environment EB72 Aut % 20% 18% 10% EB66 Sp % 19% 14% 8% Fighting social disparities EB72 Aut % 24% 18% 12% EB66 Sp % 22% 16% 11% Education EB72 Aut % 25% 25% 11% EB66 Sp % 26% 22% 11% Fighting discrimination EB72 Aut % 28% 21% 12% EB66 Sp % 26% 18% 12% Fighting unemployment EB72 Aut % 29% 24% 13% EB66 Sp % 29% 24% 14% Entrepreneurship* EB72 Aut % 26% 42% 15% Innovation technology EB72 Aut % 28% 43% 12% EB66 Sp % 27% 43% 12% Scientific research EB72 Aut % 28% 47% 11% EB66 Sp % 27% 49% 10% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 58

60 The impression that Europe leads in social and ecological areas is far more widespread among respondents in the six EU founding Member States (except for Italy) and in the Nordic States (Sweden, Finland and Denmark) than in the newest Member States. We will first examine the areas in which Europeans consider that Europe is ahead, followed by those where Europe is instead perceived as lagging behind the United States. These questions comparing the European Union and the United States on a range of major economic and social issues were previously asked in autumn 2006 (EB66); the results show some interesting changes since then, especially as the previous survey was carried out during the Bush administration. The perception that Europe is leading the way has declined in some areas: protecting the environment (-7 points), fighting social inequality (-5), fighting discrimination (-5) and education (-2) The European Union is ahead in social and environmental issues Healthcare systems. At the time when President Obama was encountering his first political difficulties in pushing through his healthcare reform in the United States, 59% of Europeans stated that the European Union was ahead of the United States in this area, while 19% said that it was behind and 13% that it was at the same level 24. The feeling that the European Union is ahead has increased very significantly since autumn 2006 (+10 points). The view that it lags behind has fallen by 4 points and the proportion of respondents who think that the EU and USA are at the same level has fallen by 6 points. This is probably due to the widespread media coverage of the shortcomings of the American healthcare system, since this survey was carried out at the height of the political and parliamentary battle in the United States on the proposed reform. The perception that healthcare is better in Europe is most marked in the EU founding Member States (80% in Belgium, 81% in Luxembourg, 85% in the Netherlands, 87% in Germany, 77% in France but only 40% in Italy) and in the Nordic countries (89% in Finland, 90% in Sweden and 85% in Denmark). However, this is very much a minority opinion in central and eastern European countries and in the Baltic States (28% in Hungary, 28% in Poland, 12% in Romania, 22% in Latvia, 24% in Lithuania), with the notable exception of Slovenia (72%). These assessments reveal a huge difference between the 15 oldest EU Member States (68% ahead, versus 15%) and the newest Member States (26% versus 33%). 24 QF2 For each of the following, please tell me whether in your opinion the European Union is ahead, behind or at the same level as the United States. 59

61 The evolutions by country on this question since autumn 2006 are interesting, generally showing that the impression that the EU is ahead has gained ground in the countries which were already the most convinced. Thus it has increased by 30 points in Spain, +20 in Sweden, + 19 in Austria, +15 in the Netherlands, +15 in Slovenia, +14 in Germany, +12 in Denmark, +11 in Greece and +10 in Luxembourg. However, the changes are far less significant in the more recent Member States. 60

62 The impression that the EU is ahead has fallen by 10 points in Romania. It is unchanged in Bulgaria, but has grown, though less than the European average, in Lithuania (+1), Latvia (+4), Slovakia (+5), Hungary (+5) and Poland (+7). The rise is almost identical to the European average in Estonia (+11) and the Czech Republic (+9). QF2.4 For each of the following, please tell me whether in your opinion the European Union is ahead, behind or at the same level as the United States. - The healthcare system AHEAD BEHIND EB66 Sp EB72 Aut Diff. EB66 Sp EB72 Aut Diff. EU27 49% 59% +10 EU27 23% 19% -4 ES 42% 72% +30 RO 23% 37% +14 SE 70% 90% +20 LT 26% 33% +7 AT 61% 80% +19 PL 29% 34% +5 SI 57% 72% +15 IE 34% 39% +5 NL 70% 85% +15 HU 40% 45% +5 UK 44% 59% +15 BG 16% 20% +4 IE 35% 34% -1 SI 18% 10% -8 CY 46% 44% -2 DE 11% 3% -8 MT 33% 31% -2 UK 28% 19% -9 RO 22% 12% -10 ES 24% 13% -11 In sociological terms, it is important to note that there is a broad consensus across all categories, irrespective of the gender, age, profession or level of education of the people interviewed, that Europe is ahead in the field of healthcare. However, this feeling is more pronounced in the higher categories of European society: 71% of the most educated respondents and 65% of those who place themselves at the top of the social scale share this view compared with 53% of the least educated respondents and those self-positioned at the bottom Fighting social inequalities 46% of Europeans consider that Europe is ahead of the United States in fighting social inequalities, while 18% think that it is behind and 24% that it is at the same level. The impression that Europe is ahead has fallen by 5 points since autumn 2006, while the belief that Europe is behind and that at the same level as the United States have both gained 2 points. This undoubtedly reflects something of an Obama effect, which leads Europeans to believe that the United States is now more aware of these issues. 61

63 An analysis by country reveals the same pattern as noted for healthcare. The feeling that Europe is ahead is far more widespread in the founding countries and the Scandinavian countries than in central and eastern European countries or in the Baltic States, except once again for Slovenia (67%). This indicator also reveals a genuine disparity in Italy, which trails the field with only 20% of respondents believing that the European Union is ahead in this area. The most striking changes on this question since 2006 are recorded in Ireland, where the impression that Europe is ahead has declined by 15 points, and in Romania and Italy, where it is down 10 points. As a result, the majority view has changed in these two countries: whereas in 2006 a majority of respondents considered that Europe was ahead, the majority now consider that Europe is behind. 62

64 Although all categories agree that Europe is ahead, there are significant differences in accordance with the respondent s social level. The most educated respondents (59%), those who place themselves at the top of the social scale (51%), those who do not have any financial difficulties at the end of the month (53%) and managers (61%) are far more likely than the least educated respondents (37%), those who place themselves at the bottom of the social scale (42%), those with financial difficulties (33%) and manual workers (44%) to consider that Europe is ahead in fighting social inequalities. This lead is also more likely to be perceived by those who think that their country s membership of the EU is a good thing (54%) than by those who think that it is a bad thing (38%). QF2.6 For each of the following, please tell me whether in your opinion the European Union is ahead, behind or at the same level as the United States. Fighting social disparities Ahead At the same level Behind DK EU27 46% 24% 18% 12% Education (End of) 15-37% 24% 22% 17% % 26% 19% 11% % 21% 13% 7% Still studying 47% 25% 18% 10% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 47% 26% 19% 8% Managers 61% 21% 12% 6% Other white collars 47% 27% 20% 6% Manual workers 44% 25% 19% 12% House persons 36% 24% 25% 15% Unemployed 42% 25% 19% 14% Retired 45% 22% 17% 16% Students 47% 25% 18% 10% Difficulties paying bills Most of the time 33% 24% 25% 18% From time to time 37% 27% 23% 13% Almost never 53% 22% 15% 10% Self-positioning on the social staircase Low (1-4) 42% 22% 20% 16% Medium (5-6) 47% 24% 18% 11% High (7-10) 51% 25% 18% 6% Membership EU A good thing 54% 23% 15% 8% A bad thing 38% 23% 26% 13% Neither good nor bad 38% 28% 19% 15% Benef. EU member. Benefited 52% 24% 16% 8% Not benefited 41% 26% 22% 11% 63

65 Education 39% of Europeans consider that the European Union is ahead of the United States in the matter of education, while 25% believe that it is behind and 25% that it is at the same level. Though the impression that Europe is ahead is less clear-cut in education than in healthcare and fighting inequalities, more people nevertheless believe that Europe is ahead than behind. The opinion that Europe is ahead has declined by 2 points since autumn 2006, while the proportion of respondents who think that it is at the same level has fallen by one point. The feeling that Europe is behind has gained 3 points. Respondents in Finland (69%), Luxembourg (63%) and Belgium (62%) are the most convinced of the European lead in education. Conversely, respondents in Italy (19%) and Portugal (16%) are the most sceptical. Except in Romania, where only 24% of respondents believe Europe to be ahead, the results for eastern European countries are very close to the European Union average and do not differ as they did in the case of healthcare and fighting inequalities. Once again the most significant changes involve Ireland and Italy where the feeling that Europe is ahead in education has declined by 11 and 8 points respectively. There is also an even sharper downward trend in Romania (-16 points), as a result of which a majority of respondents now believe that Europe is behind, and in Malta (-10 points). The belief that Europe is ahead has gained the most ground in Austria (+8 points). 64

66 In social terms, managers (50%) and the most educated respondents (48%) are the most likely to consider that the European Union is ahead on this criterion. The European Union s image also comes into play: 44% of those for whom the EU s image is positive said that Europe was ahead, compared with 33% of those who perceive its image as negative Fighting discrimination 39% of Europeans consider that the European Union is ahead of the United States in fighting discrimination, while 21% think that it is behind and 28% that it is at the same level. The impression that the EU is ahead has fallen sharply (by 5 points) since 2006, whereas the number of respondents who consider that it is behind has gained 3 points and the proportion feeling that it is at the same level has increased by 2 points. 65

67 This is probably due in part to the election of the first Afro-American President in the history of the United States, which leads Europeans to believe that combating discrimination is, or will become, an American priority. An analysis of this indicator by country reveals the same divisions as those described previously. A majority of respondents in Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland and Sweden believe that Europe is ahead. However, this view is shared by only a minority of respondents in Italy, Portugal, the central and eastern European Member States (once again with the exception of Slovenia) and the Baltic States. As in the case of healthcare and fighting social inequalities, there is a significant divergence of opinion between the 15 oldest Member States (43% ahead, versus 19% behind) and those that have joined since 2004 (27% versus 26%). Portugal, Italy and Slovenia are exceptions to this rule. Once again, the impression that Europe is ahead has lost the most ground in Ireland (- 16) and Italy (-13). As a result of these changes, the majority view in these two countries is now the opposite of what it was in The proportion of respondents holding this view has also fallen sharply in Romania (-11 points). A socio-demographic analysis reveals only slight differences reflecting respondents sociological, social or economic characteristics. 66

68 Fighting unemployment 34% of Europeans consider that the European Union is ahead of the United States in fighting unemployment, while for 29% it is at the same level and 24% think that it is behind. Unlike the other items, there are no significant changes in comparison with 2006 for this item. The differences by country on this item are in line with those previously described, in particular the division between the 15 oldest European Union Member States and the newest Member States. Unemployed people are slightly less likely to be convinced (29%) of Europe s lead in this area than the EU average (34%). 30% of unemployed people consider that the European Union is behind in this area and 27% place it at the same level as the United States. 67

69 More generally speaking, the feeling that Europe is ahead is far less pronounced among the most vulnerable categories (22% of those with financial difficulties, 28% of those who place themselves at the bottom of the social scale) than among higher categories (40% of those without financial difficulties and 42% of those who place themselves at the top of the social scale) Protecting the environment The survey was carried out a few weeks before the Copenhagen Summit against a background of questions about the role of the United States and at a time when European public opinion was still generally critical of the US on this question. Against that backdrop, protecting the environment is, with healthcare, the area where the European Union is perceived as having the biggest lead over the United States, with a score of 52%. Some 20% of Europeans consider that Europe is at the same level as the United States in this area and only 18% think that it is behind. However, the impression that the EU is ahead has fallen sharply (-7 points) since autumn The view that it is behind has risen by 4 points, while the same level score has increased by one point. The EU thus still seems to be ahead, but slightly less so than three years earlier, again doubtless due to the change of American administration and Barack Obama s undertaking to tackle environmental issues. There are major differences between countries on this question, with the percentages of respondents considering that the EU is ahead of the United States varying from 88% in Sweden, to only 24% in Portugal, 22% in Italy and 18% in Romania. Together with respondents in Portugal and Italy, citizens in central and eastern European countries (25% in Bulgaria and 33% in Hungary for example) are the most sceptical about Europe s lead. However, perhaps mobilised by the Copenhagen Summit, 86% of respondents in Denmark are convinced that the EU is ahead of the United States on ecological issues. More generally speaking, the countries which are traditionally the most alive to ecological issues are the most convinced of Europe s lead in this area: Sweden, Germany, Denmark, Finland and the Netherlands. In terms of evolutions, the impression that Europe is ahead of the United States on environmental issues has fallen significantly in Hungary (-12 points), Cyprus (-12), Malta (-10), Ireland (-10), the United Kingdom (-10), France (-8) and Italy (-8). 68

70 The idea that Europe is ahead in environmental protection predominates in all categories of the EU population. However, it is particularly prevalent in the higher social categories: 67% of managers, 64% of the most educated respondents and 59% of those who place themselves at the top of the social scale. We note that the higher social categories (well-off, well-educated and well placed in the social scale) are more likely to consider that the EU is ahead of the United States in all these social and societal respects than the more modest categories, that is to say the least educated, those with the most financial difficulties and who have a lower social status. This is undoubtedly primarily due to the effect of knowledge and information as regards both environmental issues and the EU s actions in this area, because the higher social categories have more information on which to base their opinion. There is also an understandable trend for people in a difficult situation to consider that "the grass is greener elsewhere". Finally, different cultural attitudes probably also come into play and it may be that that working class and modest social categories are far more influenced by American culture, especially television, than the higher and most educated social categories. 69

71 5.2. The European Union is behind in innovation, research and entrepreneurship However, in three areas, Europeans feel that the EU tends to be behind the United States: scientific research, innovation and entrepreneurship Scientific research 47% of Europeans consider that the EU is behind the United States in scientific research, while 28% believe that the EU is at the same level as the United States and only 14% that it is ahead. There are no significant evolutions in comparison with autumn 2006, as the scores are more or less unchanged. The impression that the EU is behind is the majority view in the 27 Member States, especially in Spain and Italy, which have the highest scores of 57% and 55% respectively. The Czech Republic, where at the same level obtained the highest score (44%), is the only exception. In Bulgaria (33% behind, versus 31% at the same level) and Denmark (40% versus 36%), opinions are evenly divided as to whether the EU is behind or at the same level as the United States in scientific research. 70

72 This impression that Europe is behind the United States in scientific research is widespread in all categories, irrespective of the respondent s sociological and social characteristics. 71

73 Technological innovation 43% of Europeans consider that the EU is behind the United States in technological innovation, while 17% think that it is ahead and 28% that it is at the same level. The trend since 2006 is similar to that noted for opinions on scientific research, that is to say the scores have remained very stable. The view that Europe is behind in technological innovation is widespread among respondents in 26 of the 27 EU Member states. Only Germany is an exception for this indicator, and opinions are far more evenly divided, with 31% considering that the EU is ahead and 29% thinking that it is behind. This can undoubtedly be explained by the positive view that German citizens have of the level of innovation of their industry. As in the case of scientific research, the feeling that Europe is behind in innovation is prevalent in all social categories. 72

74 Entrepreneurship Not surprisingly, in the case of this symbol of American values, 42% of interviewees consider that the EU is behind the United States, while 26% of Europeans say that it is at the same level and 17% even believe that it is ahead. The impression that the Europe is behind the United States is the majority view in almost all the 27 Member States, except for Cyprus where opinions are divided (24% behind, 24% ahead and 32% at the same level). The highest scores for this view were recorded in Italy (55%), Hungary (49%), the Czech Republic (47%) and Ireland (46%). A socio-demographic analysis reveals few differences on this question. We note, however, that half of managers consider that the EU is behind the United States (52%), as compared with 39% of manual workers and 41% of unemployed people. The respondent s level of objective knowledge of the European Union also has a significant influence: whereas 39% of those whose knowledge of the EU is poor consider that the EU is behind the United States in entrepreneurship, this view is shared by 49% of those who have a good knowledge of the Union. It must be emphasised, however, that this wide divergence results mainly from the level of DK answers, which is far higher among the respondents who have a poor objective knowledge of the European Union (33% versus only 9% of those whose knowledge is good). Despite these differences, a majority of respondents in all interviewee categories consider that the EU is behind the United States in this area. 73

75 QF2.9 For each of the following, please tell me whether in your opinion the European Union is ahead, behind or at the same level as the United States. Entrepreneurship Ahead At the same level Behind DK EU27 17% 26% 42% 15% Sex Male 18% 26% 44% 12% Female 16% 26% 39% 19% Age % 30% 38% 16% % 26% 44% 13% % 26% 44% 13% % 24% 40% 20% Education (End of) 15-17% 24% 38% 21% % 27% 41% 15% % 25% 48% 11% Still studying 17% 30% 38% 15% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 17% 25% 47% 11% Managers 14% 25% 52% 9% Other white collars 16% 27% 46% 11% Manual workers 19% 27% 39% 15% House persons 15% 25% 43% 17% Unemployed 17% 25% 41% 17% Retired 16% 24% 39% 21% Students 17% 30% 38% 15% Difficulties paying bills Most of the time 15% 22% 42% 21% From time to time 15% 27% 42% 16% Almost never 18% 26% 42% 14% Self-positioning on the social staircase Low (1-4) 15% 23% 41% 21% Medium (5-6) 17% 27% 41% 15% High (7-10) 19% 27% 45% 9% Trust EU Tend to trust 18% 28% 42% 12% Tend not to trust 16% 25% 45% 14% Objective knowledge of the EU Bad 12% 22% 33% 33% Average 18% 28% 41% 13% Good 17% 25% 49% 9% In conclusion, Europeans consider that the European Union provides greater social protection and is more environmentally aware than the United States. However, they feel that Europe has not yet caught up with the United States in important forward-looking areas, such as research, innovation and entrepreneurship. These perceptions have changed since autumn 2006, probably as a result of Barack Obama s election. The focus on the shortcomings of the American healthcare system and need for the reform proposed by the American President has strengthened the feeling that Europe leads the United States in this area. On the other hand, the American President s announced intention, after the Bush years, to prioritise social and ecological issues helps to explain why the impression that Europe is ahead of the United States has lost ground, though it is still unchallenged. Finally, the EU has failed to narrow the gap in research and innovation since

76 II. EUROPEANS, THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE CRISIS On 15 September 2008, the American investment bank Lehman Brothers announced its insolvency, triggering an international banking crisis. This event, which was the culmination of the pressure which had built up over several months on the financial markets, was the first major warning sign of the impending economic and financial crisis which has shaken the world economy since In the context of a credit crunch and a weakened banking sector, the financial crisis rapidly spread to Europe with a welldocumented and severe impact on production and employment 25. If the date of 15 September 2008 has frequently been compared with "Black Thursday" of 1929, 2009 has shown that governments seem to have learnt the lessons of the 1930s crisis. This time they intervened massively and without delay. In autumn 2008, governments injected public funds into financial institutions threatened with insolvency and established wideranging recovery plans to support economic activity and jobs, stimulate demand and restore confidence. The European Union has put in place the most ambitious action plan in its history, with some 400 billion euro 3.3% of GDP committed over two years to stimulate the economy and help individuals come through the crisis. Another lesson learnt from this financial and economic turmoil is the need for coordinated solutions and actions in a crisis which has clearly demonstrated the extent to which markets are interconnected. Within the European Union, the approach has been based above all on joint strategies. The European Union has tried to coordinate the different national positions, both in Europe and across the world, and has also played a very active and committed role in the various world summits organised since the beginning of the collapse of financial markets 26. One year on from the start of the crisis, the European Commission s autumn 2009 forecasts indicate that the EU economy has now reached a turning point: the European Commission expects the EU and the euro zone to record positive GDP growth again in the second half of the year, steadily increasing in 2010 and However, the outlook for the labour market and the public deficit remain causes for concern. How do European citizens feel about the crisis? Has this vast mobilisation affected their morale, their medium and long-term vision of the future or their perception of their current situation? The Standard Eurobarometer carried out in autumn 2009 (EB72) has sought to discover the views of Europeans after eighteen difficult months for economic activity and for citizens. 25 One year after the crisis, according to Eurostat s estimates, 22,123 million men and women were unemployed in September 2009 in the EU27, including 15,324 million in the euro zone. Compared with September 2008, this represents an increase in unemployed people of 5,011 million in the EU27 and 3,204 million in the euro zone. Eurostat-Press release, Euro-indicators, 30 October 2009: 26 Among others at the G20 summits organised since September 2008: Washington (mid-november 2008), London (April 2009) and Pittsburgh (September 2009). 27 European Commission, press release: Autumn forecast : EU economy on the road to a gradual recovery, 3 November guilanguage=en 75

77 1. HAS THE CRISIS REACHED ITS PEAK? Although economic activity seems to be picking up, the indicator which most influences the public mood and confidence is undoubtedly employment. On that basis, the most recent results of the Eurobarometer reveal a significant upturn in optimism among Europeans. Although the feeling that the worst is still to come remains widespread, in comparison with the situation in May-June 2009 more Europeans now feel that the crisis and its impact on employment have peaked and that things should gradually start to get better 28 (38% instead of 28%). Pessimism has fallen by 7 percentage points (54% compared to 61% in May-June 2009). However, in line with the European Commission s forecasts 29, a majority of respondents (54%) feel that the worst is still to come. QC1 Some say that the impact of the economic crisis on the job market has already reached its peak and things will recover. Others say that the worst is still to come. Which of the two statements is closer to your opinion? -% EU The impact of the crisis on jobs has already reached its peak The worst is still to come DK EB72 Aut % 54% 8% EB71.2 May-June % 61% 11% An analysis by country reveals that there are differences from one State to another; these differences seem to be linked to the variable impact of the crisis on the respective national economies and labour markets. 28 QC1 Some analysts say that the impact of the economic crisis on the job market has already reached its peak and things will recover little by little. Others, on the contrary, say that the worst is still to come. Which of the two statements is closer to your opinion? 29 In its autumn 2009 economic forecasts, the European Commission estimates that the European Union s unemployment rate will increase further, reaching 10.25% in 2011: 76

78 Thus, one group of three countries stands out clearly from the European average with a far more positive vision of the labour market: this group consists of the Netherlands and Denmark, where more than half of respondents consider that the impact on employment has already peaked (51% and 55%), and Sweden, where this opinion is held by a very large majority of respondents (71%). Opinions are divided in Austria and Malta, where 43% and 45% of respondents respectively are pessimistic compared with 46% and 45% who feel optimistic, and in Poland and Italy, where 42% and 44% respectively tend to be negative compared with 44% and 42% who are more upbeat. In the rest of the Union, the predominant view is that the worst is still to come, with scores ranging from 51% in the United Kingdom and Slovakia, 53% in Portugal and approximately three-quarters of respondents in Latvia (74%), Lithuania (77%) and Cyprus (76%). Finally, in the candidate countries, a clear majority of respondents are pessimistic in Croatia (68%), while they are far more evenly divided in Turkey, where 46% are negative and 43% optimistic, and in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (47% and 46% respectively). 77

79 The general recovery in confidence across Europe is even more evident when we compare changes at national level with the May-June 2009 results: the feeling that the worst is over has gained ground in twenty-five Member States, particularly in Sweden (+26 points), Estonia (+20), Slovakia (+19), the Netherlands (+18), Bulgaria and Denmark (both +17 points), Belgium (+16), Malta and Luxembourg (both +15). Optimism has even gained ground in Latvia (+9) and, to a lesser extent, in Lithuania (+2), two States which are among the most negative about the job market outlook However, Cyprus and Spain have escaped this trend and the proportion of respondents who remain negative about the impact of the crisis on employment has risen (+3 and +5 points respectively for the worst is still to come ). 78

80 Certain socio-demographic characteristics, and the way in which respondents perceive the European Union in terms of trust, image or views on membership, shape views of the crisis and employment. - Thus, men and the under-40s, especially those in the youngest category (15-24), are more positive. - Similarly, Europeans who studied up to the age of 20 or beyond, and, in occupational terms, students, the self-employed, employees and managers, are relatively more confident about the future. - Finally, the respondents who approve of the European Union, in terms of image, trust and their country s membership, are far more optimistic, as are those respondents who support the single currency. 79

81 QC1 Some analysts say that the impact of the economic crisis on the job market has already reached its peak and things will recover little by little. Others, on the contrary, say that the worst is still to come. Which of the two statements is closer to your opinion? The worst is still to come The impact of the crisis on jobs has already reached its peak DK EU27 54% 38% 8% Sex Male 52% 40% 8% Female 54% 37% 9% Age % 44% 10% % 42% 7% % 38% 7% % 34% 9% Education (End of) 15-62% 29% 9% % 37% 8% % 46% 6% Still studying 43% 45% 12% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 48% 43% 9% Managers 46% 49% 5% Other white collars 47% 44% 9% Manual workers 55% 37% 8% House persons 56% 35% 9% Unemployed 62% 32% 6% Retired 59% 32% 9% Students 43% 45% 12% Trust in EU Tend to trust 45% 48% 7% Tend not to trust 64% 29% 7% Membership EU A good thing 45% 47% 8% A bad thing 68% 26% 6% Neither good nor bad 61% 30% 9% Benef. EU member. Benefited 48% 45% 7% Not benefited 65% 28% 7% Image of EU Positive 44% 48% 8% Neutral 58% 33% 9% Negative 72% 23% 5% Euro In favour 48% 44% 8% Against 63% 30% 7% 80

82 2. THE IMPACT OF THE CRISIS ON HOUSEHOLDS Alongside the signs of an upturn in confidence regarding the impact of the crisis on the job market, and turning to the way in which the crisis may transform household priorities, citizens now seem to have slightly more room for manœuvre in terms of medium-term planning. More specifically, 35% of respondents say that their current situation is still difficult and does not allow them to plan for the future, and that they live from day to day. 32% of respondents say that their resources allow them a little more room for manœuvre (six months), while a slightly lower proportion (28%) have a long-term vision of the future of their households over one or two years 30. The EU27 averages are more or less unchanged, although the proportion of respondents who feel able to make plans over the medium term has increased by 3 points, while the proportion of those capable of taking a longer term view has fallen by an identical percentage. An analysis by country shows that the effects of the crisis on households differ considerably between countries. Over and above the traditional structural divisions northern/southern European countries and Old/New Member States which have been intensified by the crisis, the results reveal some more unexpected configurations. 30 QC2 Which of the following statements best reflects your household situation? Your current situation does not allow you to make any plans for the future. You live day by day; You know what you will be doing in the next six months; You have a long-term perspective of what your household will be in the next 1 or 2 years. 81

83 In 13 European Union countries, citizens and their families can only plan from day to day. This is particularly so in Member States which joined the European Union during the last two enlargements, such as Latvia (65%), Bulgaria (61%), Hungary (60%) and Malta (59%). It is also the majority view in the old Member States in southern Europe, such as Portugal (50%), Greece and Spain (46%), but also in France (41%), despite the fact that France is one of the countries whose economy and labour market appear to have been the most resilient in the face of the crisis 31. Respondents in the Czech Republic and Slovakia are the most likely to know what they will be doing in six months time (43% in both cases). Finally, the majority of respondents in the northern European States and Scandinavia have a long-term vision of their household situation: this was the response of almost half of interviewees in Denmark (49%), Germany (47%), the Netherlands (47%), Sweden (46%) and Finland (45%). In the three candidate countries, a majority of citizens live from day to day, especially in Turkey (64%). 31 According to the OECD s forecasts published in September 2009, French GDP fell by 2.1% in 2009, compared with -4.8 in Germany,-4.7 in the United Kingdom and -5.2 in Italy. 82

84 In comparison with spring 2009 (EB71), the ability of households to plan for the longterm has fallen in 20 Member States, with particular significant falls in Malta (-12 points), Germany (-9), Ireland (-9) and Belgium (-9). In 16 countries, led by Germany (+12 points), this decline has been accompanied by an increase in the number of respondents who have a medium-term perspective, while the proportion of respondents who live from day to day has risen in 19 European Union countries, especially in Malta (+14), Bulgaria (+10 points), Hungary and Ireland (both +7 points). From a socio-demographic point of view, the main differences are those between unemployed people, whose lack of resources means that they have no choice but to live from day to day (64%) and managers, a majority of whom have a long-term vision of their household s situation in one or two years time (48%). From this point of view, the citizens who are the most critical of the European Union seem to be the worst affected personally by the uncertainties of the economic circumstances. These differences are reflected logically in the respondent s level of education: those who studied until the age of 20 or beyond are more likely to make household plans over the next one or two years (38%) than those who left school earliest, before the age of 16 (23%). QC2 Which of the following statements best reflects your household situation? Your current situation does not allow you to make any plan for the future. You live day by day You know what you will be doing in the next six months You have a longterm perspective of what your household will be in the next 1 or 2 years EU27 35% 32% 28% 3% Sex Male 34% 32% 29% 3% Female 37% 32% 26% 3% Age % 35% 24% 4% % 34% 27% 3% % 33% 27% 2% % 29% 30% 3% Education (End of) 15-48% 26% 23% 2% % 33% 25% 2% % 35% 38% 2% Still studying 25% 38% 28% 6% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 29% 38% 30% 2% Managers 14% 34% 48% 2% Other white collars 28% 37% 31% 3% Manual workers 36% 35% 25% 3% House persons 45% 29% 22% 3% Unemployed 64% 22% 11% 2% Retired 39% 28% 28% 3% Students 25% 38% 28% 6% DK 83

85 3. THE MOST EFFECTIVE PLAYERS FOR TACKLING THE CRISIS The Eurobarometer asked citizens for their views on the most effective level at which to take action to tackle the consequences of the crisis 32. Respondents were asked to choose from a list composed of three supranational organisations (the European Union, the G20 33 and the International Monetary Fund) and two national levels (the national government and the United States). Although the responses were somewhat divided, the European Union was the body the most frequently mentioned as best able to take effective action against the crisis (22%), followed closely by national governments (19%) and the G20 (18%). If the results obtained by the IMF (mentioned by 11% of respondents), the G20 and the European Union are added together, approximately half of European citizens (51%) mentioned an international body. From a comparative point of view, the answers naturally seem to reflect the development of the crisis and the decisions which it has triggered. Thus last spring, when the priority was still to restore stability to the financial markets and establish the foundations for new regulations, respondents mentioned the G20 more frequently (20%, -2 points). At that time, all eyes were also on the new American administration, which was rolling out its recovery plan and stepping up its actions to prevent its financial market from going into meltdown (16%, -4 points). In the latest survey, more respondents mentioned their national government (+7 points), at a time when national governments are above all expected to take action to curb the impact of the crisis on the real economy and in particular on jobs. The European Union has also advanced, if more modestly (+1) and it remains the most frequently cited option. 32 QC3 In your opinion, which of the following is best able to take effective action against the effects of the financial and economic crisis? It is to be noted that respondents were allowed only one answer 33 The Group of Twenty (or G20) is an economic forum which aims to promote international cooperation, by integrating the principle of an enlarged dialogue taking account of the increasing economic weight of a certain number of countries. The G20 represents two-thirds of trade and the world population and more than 90% of gross world product (total GDP of all the countries in the world). 84

86 The national results show that the European Union is perceived as the most effective player for to coping with the effects of the crisis in Greece (44%), Luxembourg (34%), Poland (34%), Cyprus (32%), Slovakia and Portugal (both 30%). In total, it was the most frequently mentioned option in 10 Member States. The national government is seen as the most effective player for tackling the crisis in Malta (39%), Romania (38%), Bulgaria (32%), Ireland (29%), the United Kingdom and Austria (both 21%). While it was the most frequently mentioned option in these six countries, it was also mentioned by one in four respondents (25%) in Spain. The role of the G20 was mainly cited in the Czech Republic (43%) and the Netherlands (41%). It was also the most frequently mentioned option in Latvia (31%), Hungary (29%), Sweden (28%), Germany (26%), Estonia (25%), France (23%) and Slovenia (21%). The United States was cited most often in Denmark (26%) but also received high levels of support in Portugal and Spain, where one in five respondents (both 19%) considered that it was best able to take effective action against the crisis. Finally, the International Monetary Fund was the most frequently mentioned option in Finland (23%), followed closely by the G20 (22%). 85

87 QC3 In your opinion, which of the following is best able to take effective actions against the effects of the financial and economic crisis? (ROTATE) The European Union The (NATIONALITY) Government The G20 The United States The International Monetary Fund (IMF) None (SPONT.) DK EU27 22% 19% 18% 12% 11% 5% 12% BE 24% 11% 25% 12% 13% 5% 9% BG 26% 32% 15% 5% 6% 4% 12% CZ 16% 6% 43% 13% 12% 2% 8% DK 19% 12% 20% 26% 13% 1% 9% DE 24% 16% 26% 7% 10% 7% 10% EE 25% 15% 25% 7% 13% 3% 11% IE 21% 29% 8% 15% 11% 2% 14% EL 44% 23% 8% 8% 8% 6% 2% ES 26% 25% 6% 19% 11% 6% 5% FR 15% 19% 23% 11% 16% 6% 10% IT 25% 17% 11% 17% 11% 5% 13% CY 32% 20% 14% 8% 14% 6% 6% LV 19% 14% 31% 9% 8% 9% 8% LT 26% 14% 17% 10% 13% 3% 16% LU 34% 20% 20% 8% 9% 2% 5% HU 21% 13% 29% 13% 13% 5% 6% MT 22% 39% 8% 10% 11% 1% 9% NL 14% 16% 41% 9% 12% 1% 6% AT 19% 21% 14% 11% 14% 8% 11% PL 34% 13% 7% 9% 9% 5% 22% PT 30% 17% 8% 19% 5% 3% 18% RO 26% 38% 12% 4% 10% 2% 8% SI 20% 12% 21% 16% 16% 8% 4% SK 30% 11% 28% 7% 14% 3% 6% FI 20% 15% 22% 13% 23% 1% 6% SE 15% 25% 28% 9% 9% 2% 11% UK 10% 21% 16% 14% 12% 6% 21% CY (tcc) 29% 14% 7% 15% 18% 4% 13% MK 24% 22% 8% 21% 13% 5% 6% HR 13% 32% 8% 11% 17% 7% 10% TR 19% 29% 7% 11% 8% 7% 18% * In bold, the highest results per country; in italics the lowest results per country; the grey rectangle shows the highest results per value; the rectangle with black borders shows the lowest results per value. In the three candidate countries, respondents in Croatia (32%) and Turkey (29%) cited their national governments in first place, while the European Union was the most frequently mentioned option in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (24%). A socio-demographic analysis mainly reveals differences which reflect the respondent s age, level of education and occupation. The youngest respondents and students are the most convinced of the European Union s effectiveness, as are the most highly qualified, while managers are the most likely to mention the G20. 86

88 Europeans who left school at the age of 15 or earlier, women, house persons, and the groups that are the most critical of the European Union and the euro are the most likely to consider that their national government is best able to take effective action against the crisis. QC3 In your opinion, which of the following is best able to take effective actions against the effects of the financial and economic crisis? (ROTATE) The European Union The (NATIONALITY) Government The G20 The United States The International Monetary Fund (IMF) EU27 22% 19% 18% 12% 11% 12% Sex Male 23% 17% 21% 13% 12% 8% Female 22% 20% 15% 11% 11% 15% Age % 17% 17% 14% 9% 13% % 19% 19% 12% 11% 9% % 18% 20% 11% 13% 11% % 20% 15% 12% 12% 14% Education (End of) 15-20% 23% 11% 13% 10% 16% % 19% 17% 12% 12% 12% % 15% 25% 11% 13% 8% Still studying 28% 14% 19% 14% 10% 10% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 24% 18% 21% 11% 12% 8% Managers 20% 14% 28% 12% 14% 7% Other white collars 25% 15% 20% 13% 13% 9% Manual workers 22% 19% 18% 13% 11% 12% House persons 20% 28% 11% 11% 8% 16% Unemployed 19% 22% 14% 13% 9% 14% Retired 20% 20% 15% 11% 12% 15% Students 28% 14% 19% 14% 10% 10% Trust in EU Tend to trust 30% 16% 20% 12% 12% 7% Tend not to trust 14% 21% 17% 13% 12% 13% Benef. EU member. Benefited 28% 16% 20% 12% 12% 8% Not benefited 14% 23% 16% 13% 12% 12% Image of EU Positive 30% 16% 20% 12% 12% 7% Neutral 17% 21% 16% 12% 11% 16% Negative 10% 21% 16% 14% 12% 14% Euro In favour 26% 16% 21% 12% 13% 8% Against 16% 23% 14% 13% 11% 14% DK 87

89 4. THE EURO S ROLE IN THE CRISIS Some experts consider that without the euro - which was created inter alia to ensure the continuity and efficiency of the internal market the current financial and economic crisis would have led to interest rate hikes, with an even more damaging impact on jobs 34. But how do European citizens perceive the role played by the single currency in the economic and financial turmoil? 4.1. Public opinion in the euro zone: would these countries have been better protected with the former national currency? Opinions are divided in the euro zone 35 : 45% of respondents consider that their country would have been better protected against the current financial and economic crisis if it had kept the former national currency, while 47% disagree. Disagreement has gained 2 points since January/February QC4a Tell me whether you agree or disagree with the following statement: (OUR COUNTRY) would have been better protected in the face of the current financial and economic crisis if we had kept the (FORMER NATIONAL CURRENCY). % Eurozone Total agree Total disagree DK EB72 Aut % 47% 8% EB71.1 Jan-Feb % 45% 10% 34 E.g. the report of the European Parliament s Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs The first ten years of Economic and Monetary Union, 28 October 2008: DOC+PDF+V0//EN 35 QC4a Tell me whether you totally agree, tend to agree, tend to disagree or totally disagree with the following statement: (OUR COUNTRY) would have been better protected in the face of the current financial and economic crisis if we had kept the (FORMER NATIONAL CURRENCY). 88

90 A majority of respondents in four euro zone Member States in the south of the EU consider that their country would have been better protected against the crisis if it had kept its former national currency. These countries are Portugal (57%), Spain (54%), Cyprus (51%) and Italy (50%). However, a majority of respondents take the opposite view in the 12 other euro zone Member States: Slovakia (72%), Finland (67%), Luxembourg (67%), Slovenia (67%), the Netherlands (66%), Belgium (58%), Malta (55%), France and Austria (54%), Greece (49%), Germany (47%) and Ireland (46%). A socio-demographic analysis reveals the following main differences: - A majority of women tend to be sceptical about the single currency and nostalgic for their former national currency (49% agree, compared with 42% who disagree), whereas the majority of men sharply disagree with the statement that their country would have been better protected if it had kept its national currency (53% disagree while 40% agree). 89

91 - The respondent s level of education is also a determinant: a majority of respondents who studied until the age of 20 or beyond disagree with the statement, while a majority of Europeans who left school at 15 or earlier agree. - Managers, self-employed people, employees and students are among the groups that are the least likely to feel nostalgic about their former national currency in the context of the current crisis. - Understandably, a household s financial difficulties, measured by the difficulty it may have paying its bills at the end of the month, influence opinions on the role played by the single currency: a majority of those who have the most financial difficulties agree with the statement that their country would have been better protected by the former national currency. - Finally, the answers to this question are consistent with respondents more general opinions regarding trust in the European Union, its image and, reasonably enough, their support for the euro. QC4a Tell me whether you totally agree, tend to agree, tend to disagree or totally disagree with the following statement: (OUR COUNTRY) would have been better protected in the face of the current financial and economic crisis if we had kept the (FORMER NATIONAL CURRENCY). (IF 'MEMBER OF THE EURO AREA') Agree Disagree DK EUROZONE 45% 47% 8% Sex Male 40% 53% 7% Female 49% 42% 9% Age % 47% 13% % 51% 6% % 49% 7% % 45% 8% Education (End of) 15-58% 32% 10% % 45% 7% % 65% 5% Still studying 31% 57% 12% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 39% 54% 7% Managers 25% 71% 4% Other white collars 42% 52% 6% Manual workers 49% 43% 8% House persons 59% 31% 10% Unemployed 55% 36% 9% Retired 46% 45% 9% Students 31% 57% 12% Difficulties paying bills Most of the time 61% 32% 7% From time to time 53% 38% 9% Almost never 38% 55% 7% Trust in EU Tend to trust 35% 58% 7% Tend not to trust 56% 37% 7% Benef. EU member. Benefited 33% 61% 6% Not benefited 63% 30% 7% Image of EU Positive 34% 60% 6% Neutral 51% 39% 10% Negative 65% 28% 7% Euro In favour 31% 62% 7% Against 76% 18% 6% 90

92 4.2. Public opinion outside the euro zone: would these countries have been better protected with the single currency? Outside the euro zone, the single currency is still regarded somewhat askance: half of respondents (51%) disagree with the statement that their country would have been better protected against the current financial and economic crisis if it had adopted the single currency, compared with a third (34%) who instead believe that the single currency would have provided more support for the national economy 36. In comparison with January/February 2009 (EB71.1), the number of respondents who disagree has increased by 5 points, while the proportion of respondents favouring the euro has fallen by 2 points. QC4b Tell me whether you agree or disagree with the following statement: (OUR COUNTRY) would have been better protected in the face of the current financial and economic crisis if we had adopted the European single currency, the euro. - % Non-Eurozone Total agree Total disagree DK EB72 Aut % 51% 15% EB71.1 Jan-Feb % 46% 18% A national analysis reveals that only two countries, Romania and, most strikingly, Hungary go against the general trend, with 50% and 61% of respondents respectively believing that the euro would have provided greater protection. Respondents in Denmark (64%), Sweden (64%) and the United Kingdom (61%) are the most doubtful, or the most attached to their national currency. 36 QC4b Tell me whether you totally agree, tend to agree, tend to disagree or totally disagree with the following statement: (OUR COUNTRY) would have been better protected in the face of the current financial and economic crisis if we had adopted the European single currency, the euro. 91

93 A socio-demographic analysis shows that the belief that the euro would have provided greater protection against the crisis is more widespread among the youngest respondents, those who studied the longest, managers and self-employed people. It was also the most frequent answer among the groups of respondents who are the most positive about the European Union. It must be noted however that even among these categories there remains a very significant degree of disagreement. 92

94 QC4b Tell me whether you totally agree, tend to agree, tend to disagree or totally disagree with the following statement: (OUR COUNTRY) would have been better protected in the face of the current financial and economic crisis if we had adopted the European single currency, the euro. (IF 'MEMBER STATE OF THE EU27 BUT NOT IN EURO AREA') Agree Disagree DK NON-EUROZONE 34% 51% 15% Sex Male 37% 51% 12% Female 32% 51% 17% Age % 47% 13% % 49% 14% % 54% 12% % 52% 18% Education (End of) 15-25% 54% 21% % 50% 15% % 53% 10% Still studying 42% 45% 13% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 41% 47% 12% Managers 41% 53% 6% Other white collars 35% 56% 9% Manual workers 33% 52% 15% House persons 40% 36% 24% Unemployed 33% 50% 17% Retired 29% 52% 19% Students 42% 45% 13% Trust in EU Tend to trust 47% 40% 13% Tend not to trust 24% 65% 11% Membership EU A good thing 47% 40% 13% A bad thing 17% 75% 8% Neither good nor bad 27% 56% 17% Benef. EU member. Benefited 45% 42% 13% Not benefited 22% 67% 11% Image of EU Positive 49% 38% 13% Neutral 30% 54% 16% Negative 16% 74% 10% Euro In favour 58% 30% 12% Against 14% 75% 11% 93

95 4.3. The mitigating impact of the euro - Europeans are divided about the role played by the euro in mitigating the impact of the crisis - 45% of respondents agree with the statement "Overall the euro has mitigated the negative effects of the current financial and economic crisis" while 41% take disagree 37. The number of respondents who agree with this statement has increased slightly since January-February 2009 (+2) 38. QC5 Could you tell me whether you agree or disagree with the following statement: overall the euro has mitigated the negative effects of the current financial and economic crisis. - % EU Total agree Total disagree DK EB72 Aut % 45% 14% EB71.1 Jan-Feb % 44% 17% Opinions on this question continue to be divided within the euro zone, with only a narrow majority agreeing that the euro has mitigated the effects of the crisis (46%, versus 44% who disagree). On the other hand, a majority of respondents in the non-euro zone countries disagree with this statement: one in three agree with the statement (33%), compared with 46% who do not think that overall the euro has alleviated the impact of the crisis. 37 QC5 Could you tell me whether you totally agree, tend to agree, tend to disagree or totally disagree with the following statement: overall the euro has mitigated the negative effects of the current financial and economic crisis. 38 Special Eurobarometer 308, the Europeans in

96 QC5 Could you tell me whether you totally agree, tend to agree, tend to disagree or totally disagree with the following statement: Overall the Euro has mitigated the negative effects of the current financial and economic crisis. Agree Disagree Diff. Agree-Disagree DK EU27 41% 45% -4 14% SK 68% 26% +42 6% FI 60% 33% +27 7% PT 55% 31% % IE 48% 24% % AT 55% 35% % HU 54% 34% % EL 58% 39% +19 3% MT 54% 36% % BE 56% 40% +16 4% LU 56% 40% +16 4% IT 53% 38% +15 9% CY 51% 37% % SI 50% 45% +5 5% NL 49% 44% +5 7% RO 36% 32% +4 32% EE 43% 41% +2 16% ES 43% 47% -4 10% BG 27% 32% -5 41% FR 42% 48% -6 10% LT 35% 42% -7 23% LV 38% 46% -8 16% PL 32% 45% % DE 36% 51% % DK 38% 55% -17 7% CZ 37% 56% -19 7% SE 32% 55% % UK 27% 53% % A majority of respondents in 13 of the 16 euro zone countries agree that the euro has helped to mitigate the effects of the crisis. The positive differences in the scores between those who agree and those who disagree about the euro s role are the most striking in Slovakia (+42), Finland (+27), Portugal and Ireland (+24), Greece (+19), Malta (+18), Belgium and Luxembourg (+16), Italy (+15) and Cyprus (+14). The majorities in agreement with the statement are narrower in the Netherlands and Slovenia (+5). In three euro zone countries, a majority of respondents disagree that the euro has played a part in mitigating the effects of the crisis: Spain (-4), France (-6) and Germany (-15). 95

97 On the other hand, respondents in the countries which have kept their national currency are the most emphatic in their rejection of this statement: the United Kingdom (-26 points), Sweden (-23), the Czech Republic (-19) and Denmark (-17). A majority of respondents in Poland (-13), Latvia (-8), Lithuania (-7) and Bulgaria (-5) also disagree, if less emphatically, with the statement that the euro has mitigated the negative effects of the crisis. Finally, a majority of respondents in three countries which have not yet adopted the European single currency acknowledge the beneficial impact of the euro during the financial and economic crisis: by a narrow majority in Estonia (+2) and Romania (+4), but by an overwhelming majority in Hungary (+20). It should be noted that of the four euro zone Member States where a majority of respondents consider that their country would have been better protected from the crisis by the former national currency (Portugal, Spain, Cyprus and Italy) 39, a majority in all but Spain consider that overall the euro has mitigated the negative effects of the crisis. 39 See paragraph

98 In comparison with January-February 2009, positive opinions on the impact of the euro have risen in 19 European Union Member States, especially in Portugal (+12 points), Latvia (+9), Austria (+8), Hungary and Greece (both +7 points). In Greece, the proportion of respondents disagreeing with the statement has fallen by 9 points since February

99 QC5 Could you tell me whether you totally agree, tend to agree, tend to disagree or totally disagree with the following statement: Overall the Euro has mitigated the negative effects of the current financial and economic crisis. Total Agree EB71.1 Jan/Feb EB72 Aut Diff. EU27 39% 41% +2 PT 43% 55% +12 LV 29% 38% +9 AT 47% 55% +8 EL 51% 58% +7 HU 47% 54% +7 BG 21% 27% +6 CZ 32% 37% +5 LT 30% 35% +5 LU 51% 56% +5 MT 49% 54% +5 RO 31% 36% +5 IE 44% 48% +4 BE 54% 56% +2 DE 34% 36% +2 EE 41% 43% +2 ES 41% 43% +2 FR 40% 42% +2 CY 49% 51% +2 SK 66% 68% +2 IT 53% 53% 0 UK 27% 27% 0 DK 39% 38% -1 FI 61% 60% -1 NL 51% 49% -2 SI 53% 50% -3 SE 35% 32% -3 PL 39% 32% -7 However, the number of respondents who feel that the euro has helped to mitigate the effects of the crisis has fallen in Poland (-7 points), Slovenia and Sweden (both -3 points). Moreover, Poland is the only country where the majority view has changed since February 2009: at that time, a narrow majority of respondents agreed with the statement (39% agreed, 36% disagreed); this position has been reversed (32% agree, 45% do not agree). 98

100 There are differences by the respondent s gender, age, level of education and occupation: - Overall, men, the youngest respondents, those who studied until the age of 20 or beyond, self-employed people, managers and employees tend to be more positive about the protective role played by the euro. - Similarly, those who trust the European Union, for whom it has a good image or who are positive about their country s membership of the EU and reasonably enough - about the single currency, tend to look more favourably on the euro and its role in managing the effects of the crisis. QC5 Could you tell me whether you totally agree, tend to agree, tend to disagree or totally disagree with the following statement: Overall the Euro has mitigated the negative effects of the current financial and economic crisis. Agree Disagree DK EU27 41% 45% 14% Sex Male 45% 44% 11% Female 37% 46% 17% Age % 39% 17% % 45% 12% % 47% 11% % 45% 16% Education (End of) 15-34% 49% 17% % 45% 14% % 43% 10% Still studying 45% 38% 17% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 50% 40% 10% Managers 49% 42% 9% Other white collars 46% 43% 11% Manual workers 39% 48% 13% House persons 38% 47% 15% Unemployed 35% 50% 15% Retired 37% 46% 17% Students 45% 38% 17% Benef. EU member. Benefited 52% 36% 12% Not benefited 27% 62% 11% Image of EU Positive 54% 35% 11% Neutral 33% 50% 17% Negative 23% 66% 11% Euro In favour 54% 34% 12% Against 21% 67% 12% 99

101 5. THE MOST EFFECTIVE MEASURES TO BE TAKEN BY THE EUROPEAN UNION 5.1. Measures to combat the crisis The major challenges faced by the European Union in dealing with the crisis include coordinating and strengthening solidarity between Member States. In December 2008, the European Union implemented a plan intended to limit the scope of the recession, boost demand and confidence, save small and large companies alike and enable them to continue trading, pending a return to growth 40. As in winter 2009 (EB71.1), the Eurobarometer asked Europeans for their views on the effectiveness of certain measures currently being discussed within the European Union to combat the crisis 41. The scores, slightly higher than those recorded in spring 2008, reveal widespread support for closer coordination of economic and financial policies between all the Member States (73%, +2 points), supervision by the European Union whenever public money is used to rescue a financial institution (69%, +2 points), supervision by the EU of the activities of the most important financial groups (68%, +1), and a greater international role for the EU in regulating financial services (67%, +1). 40 See among other, A European Economic Recovery Plan, Communication from the Commission to the European Council, 26 November 2008: 41 QC6 Certain measures aimed at combating the current economic and financial crisis are currently being discussed within the European institutions. For each of these measures, could you tell me whether you think that it would be effective or ineffective in combating the crisis: A stronger coordination of economic and financial policies between all the EU Member States; A supervision by the EU whenever public money is used to rescue a financial institution; The surveillance and supervision by the EU of the activities of the most important international financial groups; A more important role for the EU at an international level in regulating financial services. 100

102 An analysis by country reveals a number of variations behind the apparent consensus: the enthusiasm with which citizens call for closer coordination of economic and financial policies between all the EU Member States is particularly strong in Malta (76%), Germany (78%), Denmark (78%), the Netherlands (79%), Belgium (80%), Slovenia (81%) and Slovakia (83%), but above all in Cyprus and Greece, where almost nine out of ten respondents consider that this would be an effective way of combating the crisis (both 86%). Moreover, Greece is the country with the highest support for each of the measures. Supervision by the EU whenever public money is used to rescue a financial institution is seen as an effective approach by almost nine out of ten respondents in Greece and Cyprus (both 86%) and by almost eight out of ten in the Czech Republic and Bulgaria (79% and 75% respectively). On the other hand, the effectiveness of this measure is questioned by four out of ten respondents in Denmark (42%), and by three out of ten in Finland (30%), the United Kingdom (29%), Sweden (29%) and Hungary (28%). Once again, respondents in Greece and Cyprus are more likely than their fellow European citizens to be in favour of the EU monitoring and supervising the activities of the most important international financial groups (83% and 81%). This also attracts strong support in Slovakia (80%), Spain (79%), Luxembourg (77%), Slovenia and the Netherlands (both 76%). On the other hand, a not insignificant number of respondents in Finland (34%), Sweden (30%), the United Kingdom (27%), Latvia (27%) and Hungary (26%) doubt the effectiveness of this measure. 101

103 Finally, around eight out of ten respondents in Greece (81%), Luxembourg (80%), Spain (79%), Cyprus (79%), Slovakia (77%), Slovenia (76%) and Belgium (75%) believe that a more important international role for the EU in regulating financial services would be an effective way of combating the crisis. Respondents in Latvia (31%), Denmark (29%), Finland (29%), the United Kingdom (28%), Hungary and Austria (both 26%) seem to be less convinced. QC6 Certain measures aimed at combating the current economic and financial crisis are currently being discussed within the European institutions. For each of these measures, could you tell me whether you think it would be effective or ineffective in combating the crisis? A stronger coordination of economic and financial policies between all the European Union Member States A supervision by the The surveillance and European Union whenever supervision by the EU of the public money is used to activities of the most rescue a financial important international institution financial groups A more important role for the European Union at an international level in regulating financial services Effective Not effective Effective Not effective Effective Not effective Effective Not effective EU27 73% 15% 69% 19% 68% 19% 67% 19% BE 80% 15% 74% 21% 74% 19% 75% 18% BG 75% 6% 75% 6% 74% 7% 70% 9% CZ 77% 16% 79% 15% 74% 18% 69% 20% DK 78% 16% 49% 42% 65% 29% 61% 29% DE 78% 15% 71% 23% 67% 26% 68% 23% EE 62% 19% 53% 27% 58% 21% 57% 23% IE 64% 9% 65% 9% 64% 11% 65% 10% EL 86% 11% 86% 12% 83% 14% 81% 15% ES 81% 9% 81% 9% 79% 12% 79% 11% FR 76% 11% 72% 15% 72% 14% 73% 14% IT 74% 17% 72% 18% 74% 16% 71% 16% CY 86% 5% 86% 5% 81% 8% 79% 8% LV 64% 21% 65% 21% 57% 27% 51% 31% LT 66% 16% 66% 18% 60% 20% 57% 23% LU 75% 14% 75% 13% 77% 12% 80% 9% HU 69% 23% 64% 28% 66% 26% 65% 26% MT 76% 2% 70% 4% 69% 4% 69% 6% NL 79% 15% 69% 26% 76% 17% 74% 18% AT 68% 25% 68% 25% 64% 28% 66% 26% PL 69% 11% 63% 17% 62% 18% 61% 17% PT 64% 19% 67% 20% 69% 17% 67% 16% RO 66% 11% 67% 10% 64% 12% 62% 11% SI 81% 12% 77% 16% 76% 17% 76% 16% SK 83% 10% 81% 12% 80% 13% 77% 13% FI 65% 24% 59% 30% 55% 34% 59% 29% SE 70% 22% 60% 29% 61% 30% 64% 24% UK 59% 22% 53% 29% 55% 27% 53% 28% * In bold, the highest results per country; in italics the lowest results per country; the grey rectangle shows the highest results per value; the rectangle with black borders shows the lowest results per value. 102

104 5.2. Measures to improve the performance of the European economy The measures and actions implemented by the European Union to overcome the crisis are intended to boost the European Union s long-term competitiveness, by focusing on a more dynamic economy capable of generating sustainable growth. The Eurobarometer asked respondents which policies they thought should be prioritised to improve the performance of the European economy 42. The "split ballot" technique was used in order to assess the impact that the introduction of new items and a slightly different wording might have on the order of public priorities in comparison with the last time the question was asked 43. The same list as that used in spring 2006 was put to the first half of the randomly selected sample, Split B. The list put to the other half of the respondents, Split A, was longer, with two new items, and one slightly changed item. The two new measures added to the list were: - facilitating access to credit for companies; - investing in the development of environmentally friendly products and services. Moreover, the proposal on working hours was worded as Increase the number of working hours for Split A, while for Split B, the wording was exactly the same as that used in spring 2006: Increase the legal number of working hours. Split B The Split B answers make it possible to examine changes of opinion on this question, which was the same as two years earlier, while the Split A answers enable us also to measure the impact of new items, and the slightly changed third item, on the order of the priorities selected by respondents. We will begin by analysing the Split B results, which will enable us to assess the current situation and the way in which things have changed since spring. The order of priorities has not changed, and the scores are the same or have fallen slightly in all cases. For Europeans, the performance of the economy primarily depends on improving education and training (60%, -4 points). The next most frequently mentioned item, some way behind, was investing in innovation (47%), followed by facilitating the creation of companies, which was cited by 42% of respondents (-1 point since 2006). A third of respondents mentioned using energy more efficiently (33%, -3 points) while a quarter also mentioned investing in transport infrastructures. Finally, one interviewee in ten cited increasing the legal number of working hours. 42 QC7 Which of the following statements would you prioritise to improve the performance of the European economy? 43 Autumn 2007, EB66 103

105 QC7.2 (SPLIT B) Which of the following statements would you prioritise to improve the performance of the European economy? (MAX. 3 ANSWERS) EB66 Sp EU25 EB72 Aut EU27 Improve education and professional training 60% 64% Invest in research and innovation Facilitate the creation of companies Use energy more efficiently 47% 47% 42% 43% 33% 36% Invest in transport infrastructure (motorways, railways, etc.) 25% 26% (ONLY TO SPLIT B) Increase the legal number of working hours 10% 10% Other (SPONTANEOUS) DK 2% 2% 5% 6% Split A An analysis of the Split A answers (with two additional items and one slightly changed item on working hours) shows that the order of priorities remains fundamentally the same, although the changes made to the list of items, and in particular the two additional items, reduce the scores for the items common to both splits. QC7.1 (SPLIT A) Which of the following statements would you prioritise to improve the performance of the European economy? (MAX. 3 ANSWERS) EB72 Aut EU27 Improve education and professional training 52% Invest in research and innovation 40% Facilitate the creation of companies 34% (ONLY TO SPLIT A) Facilitate companies' access to credit* Use energy more efficiently 27% 25% (ONLY TO SPLIT A) Invest in the development of environmentally friendly products of services* Invest in transport infrastructure (motorways, railways, etc.) 23% 21% (ONLY TO SPLIT A) Increase the number of working hours* 7% Other (SPONTANEOUS) 1% * New item DK 5% 104

106 Thus, just over half of the respondents (52%) consider that there is an urgent need to improve education and training in order to make the European economy more dynamic. 40% of respondents also believe that investment in research and development is necessary to improve the European Union s economic performance, while a third (34%) think that action should be taken to facilitate start-ups. Among the new items, facilitate companies access to credit was mentioned by 27% of respondents and more efficient use of energy obtained a similar score (25%). Investing in the development of environmentally friendly products and services obtained a slightly lower score (23%), while 21% cited investing in transport infrastructures. Finally, 7% cited the increase in working hours when the word legal was not used, i.e. in Split B. As the list presented to Split A respondents was more detailed and included some key issues currently faced by companies and economic interests more generally, we will use that list to carry out our analysis of the results by country. 105

107 QC7.1 Which of the following statements would you prioritise to improve the performance of the European economy? (MAX. 3 ANSWERS) Improve education and professional training Invest in research and innovation Faciliter la création d entreprises (ONLY TO SPLIT A) Facilitate companies' access to credit Use energy more efficiently Invest in transport infrastructure (motorways, railways, etc.) (ONLY TO SPLIT A) Invest in the development of environmentally friendly products of services (ONLY TO SPLIT A) Increase the number of working hours EU27 52% 40% 34% 27% 25% 21% 23% 7% BE 48% 41% 39% 23% 35% 17% 19% 7% BG 39% 29% 25% 35% 46% 30% 32% 11% CZ 38% 44% 29% 20% 36% 31% 24% 4% DK 70% 57% 32% 25% 44% 14% 23% 5% DE 65% 56% 28% 28% 23% 13% 36% 3% EE 58% 34% 44% 16% 32% 17% 22% 4% IE 60% 39% 35% 38% 31% 23% 13% 18% EL 59% 34% 54% 10% 31% 29% 12% 8% ES 48% 33% 41% 35% 14% 16% 18% 4% FR 59% 39% 50% 23% 27% 17% 26% 13% IT 40% 43% 35% 33% 17% 17% 14% 7% CY 78% 37% 30% 14% 28% 21% 44% 5% LV 42% 26% 62% 29% 17% 20% 17% 4% LT 41% 29% 44% 33% 31% 9% 18% 4% LU 70% 40% 32% 17% 28% 10% 24% 11% HU 44% 33% 31% 24% 45% 22% 26% 2% MT 47% 27% 34% 9% 47% 16% 26% 8% NL 69% 47% 18% 21% 26% 37% 33% 8% AT 58% 39% 35% 28% 34% 19% 33% 10% PL 32% 27% 41% 29% 20% 28% 16% 4% PT 59% 33% 36% 22% 19% 8% 12% 10% RO 53% 31% 43% 24% 18% 31% 11% 11% SI 38% 48% 30% 29% 26% 21% 36% 3% SK 35% 35% 27% 23% 37% 44% 27% 1% FI 60% 47% 34% 19% 44% 12% 36% 7% SE 55% 48% 47% 19% 23% 31% 21% 5% UK 54% 33% 15% 22% 35% 25% 19% 7% * In bold, the highest results per country; in italics the lowest results per country; the grey rectangle shows the highest results per value; the rectangle with black borders shows the lowest results per value. 106

108 The main lessons learnt from an analysis of the results by country are set out below. The highest scores for training and education as a way of improving the performance of the European economy were obtained in Cyprus, Denmark, Luxembourg, Germany and the Netherlands. In general, respondents in northern European countries, such as Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland and Sweden as well as in Slovenia were the most likely to mention investment in research and innovation. Respondents in Latvia, Spain, Lithuania and Greece were the most likely to mention the creation of companies. The number of respondents in Spain and Ireland who cited easier access to credit for companies was above the European average. Using energy more efficiently as a mean of improving the performance of the European economy was seen as a priority for respondents in Malta, Hungary, Finland and Denmark. Respondents in Cyprus were more likely than other European citizens to prioritise investing in the development of environmentally friendly products and services, while respondents in Slovakia and the Netherlands are more likely to mention the development of transport infrastructures. Finally, respondents in Ireland were the most likely to cite an increase in the number of working hours, though when asked about legal working hours in split B, it was respondents in Bulgaria who were the most likely to mention this answer. 107

109 5.3. Measures to help European citizens overcome the effects of the crisis The President of the European Commission 44 has said that the fundamental principle underlying the joint recovery plan adopted by the European Union to combat the crisis is one of solidarity and social justice, in order to give priority assistance to the most needy citizens, help protect jobs and support SMEs. When asked how best to help the public to overcome the effects of the economic and financial crisis 45, respondents prioritised support for small and medium-sized businesses, which have been very badly affected by the difficulties of certain business sectors and by the credit crunch (37%). In line with the previously mentioned objectives of improving economic competitiveness, this was followed by measures relating to the development of a knowledge-based economy (education, innovation and research) with a score of 28%. Finally, a quarter and a fifth of respondents respectively mentioned measures to support the unemployed and poorest people (24% and 22%). The next highest scores were recorded for access to healthcare services (17%), investment in energy and the environment (17%) and in infrastructures (14%). Finally, just over one in ten interviewees gave priority to measures to help pensioners (13%) and support for large companies and industry (12%). An analysis of the results by country reveals the following additional interesting elements. 44 See José Manuel Durao Barroso s introduction to the European economic recovery plan, 26 November QC8 Which two of the following measures should the European Union prioritise in order to help people overcome the effects of the financial and economic crisis? (ROTATE MAX. 2 ANSWERS) 108

110 Support for small and medium-sized companies was the most frequently mentioned measure in 17 of the 27 Member States. Approximately half of respondents cited this measure in Latvia (53%), Cyprus (51%), France and the Czech Republic (both 49%) and Slovenia (46%). The lowest scores were recorded in Malta (18%), the United Kingdom (23%) and Portugal (24%). Investment in the knowledge-based economy - education, training and research was mentioned mainly in northern European countries, in particular in Sweden (56%), Denmark (51%), the Netherlands (50%), Ireland (47%) and Germany (45%). It was the most frequently mentioned item in these six countries, as well as in the United Kingdom, but with a far lower score (28%). 109

111 Respondents in Spain, Malta and Greece are more likely to want to prioritise support for unemployed people with scores of 39%, 36% and 35% respectively, while those in France (32%), Portugal (31%) and Poland (30%) are the most likely to call for support for the poorest. Guaranteeing access to healthcare is seen as a priority for the European Union in order to help people overcome the effects of the financial and economic crisis in Finland (29%) and Belgium (25%) in particular, while respondents in Portugal (20%) and the United Kingdom (18%) are more likely than the European average to mention support for pensioners. In line with their answers on the priority measures for boosting the European economy in a sustainable way and increasing its competitiveness, respondents in Denmark are the most likely to consider that in order to protect people from the impact of the crisis priority should be given to investing in energy and the environment (33%). This measure was also frequently mentioned by respondents in Malta (26%). The highest scores for investing in infrastructures were recorded in Greece and Romania (both 29%). Finally, respondents in Romania and Latvia were the most likely to mention support for industry and large companies (22% and 24% respectively). 110

112 QC8 Which two of the following measures should the European Union prioritise in order to help people overcome the effects of the financial and economic crisis? (ROTATE MAX. 2 ANSWERS) Support to SMEs/ small business Investment in education/ training/ research Support for the unemployed Support for the poorest Investment in energy and the environment Guaranty the provision of healthcare Investment in infrastructures Support for pensioners Support for large companies/ industry DK EU27 37% 28% 24% 22% 17% 17% 14% 13% 12% 3% BE 32% 29% 16% 24% 19% 25% 11% 17% 12% 2% BG 31% 23% 34% 22% 19% 17% 16% 16% 12% 3% CZ 49% 23% 26% 15% 10% 19% 15% 15% 17% 0% DK 35% 51% 16% 16% 33% 16% 13% 6% 10% 1% DE 41% 45% 17% 21% 19% 23% 11% 10% 5% 1% EE 41% 31% 31% 19% 9% 22% 8% 9% 10% 3% IE 32% 47% 24% 12% 14% 15% 18% 8% 16% 4% EL 38% 21% 35% 23% 18% 8% 29% 10% 9% 1% ES 41% 24% 39% 15% 14% 7% 17% 8% 17% 2% FR 49% 25% 20% 32% 15% 19% 5% 14% 11% 2% IT 37% 21% 24% 17% 21% 11% 19% 11% 17% 2% CY 51% 33% 30% 22% 20% 13% 16% 8% 4% 0% LV 53% 21% 22% 14% 5% 20% 12% 12% 24% 2% LT 42% 16% 26% 20% 17% 19% 11% 13% 15% 5% LU 40% 37% 20% 23% 13% 14% 16% 4% 15% 1% HU 27% 17% 31% 28% 18% 23% 13% 17% 14% 1% MT 18% 33% 36% 19% 26% 13% 9% 10% 18% 4% NL 36% 50% 20% 20% 10% 21% 16% 5% 12% 1% AT 34% 25% 18% 23% 23% 23% 18% 16% 9% 1% PL 33% 14% 27% 30% 10% 16% 11% 17% 11% 5% PT 24% 20% 25% 31% 12% 17% 12% 20% 9% 4% RO 31% 26% 18% 19% 12% 14% 29% 14% 22% 3% SI 46% 26% 21% 27% 14% 17% 7% 12% 17% 0% SK 36% 22% 30% 22% 16% 18% 15% 12% 16% 1% FI 44% 19% 33% 23% 17% 29% 9% 8% 13% 0% SE 38% 56% 19% 14% 21% 13% 19% 5% 10% 1% UK 23% 28% 25% 19% 18% 19% 12% 18% 7% 8% * In bold, the highest results per country; in italics the lowest results per country; the grey rectangle shows the highest results per value; the rectangle with black borders shows the lowest results per value. 111

113 From a socio-demographic point of view, it is interesting to focus on the answers given by the various occupational categories. Thus, while there are only slight differences between the answers given by unemployed people, the self-employed and managers as regards support for large companies and industry (12%, 13% and 10% respectively), their answers differ when it comes to support for SMEs and for the unemployed: 44% of managers and fully 50% of the self-employed mentioned support for small and mediumsized companies, compared with 39% of manual workers and 30% of unemployed people. On the other hand, support for unemployed people was mentioned by 41% of the jobless compared with 25% of manual workers, 22% of employees and 17% of managers and self-employed people. 112

114 QC8 Which two of the following measures should the European Union prioritise in order to help people overcome the effects of the financial and economic crisis? (ROTATE MAX. 2 ANSWERS) Support to SMEs/ small business Investment in education/ training/ research Support for the unemployed Support for the poorest Investment in energy and the environment Guaranty the provision of healthcare Investment in infrastructures Support for pensioners Support for large companies/ industry EU27 37% 28% 24% 22% 17% 17% 14% 13% 12% 3% Sex Male 38% 30% 24% 20% 18% 15% 16% 11% 12% 2% Female 35% 27% 25% 23% 15% 19% 12% 14% 11% 3% Age % 33% 30% 23% 19% 14% 12% 7% 14% 4% % 28% 27% 22% 15% 16% 15% 8% 14% 2% % 29% 23% 21% 17% 17% 15% 9% 11% 2% % 26% 20% 20% 17% 18% 13% 21% 10% 4% Education (End of) 15-32% 20% 27% 24% 14% 18% 12% 23% 10% 4% % 27% 24% 22% 16% 17% 15% 13% 12% 3% % 37% 20% 19% 19% 17% 15% 6% 11% 1% Still studying 32% 35% 27% 23% 21% 14% 13% 6% 13% 3% Household composition 1 34% 26% 22% 23% 16% 18% 13% 18% 10% 4% 2 36% 30% 22% 21% 17% 18% 14% 15% 10% 3% 3 39% 28% 26% 21% 18% 16% 15% 10% 15% 3% 4+ 38% 30% 27% 22% 15% 16% 14% 8% 12% 3% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 50% 28% 17% 17% 19% 13% 20% 7% 13% 2% Managers 44% 41% 17% 16% 21% 19% 18% 4% 10% 1% Other white collars 38% 31% 22% 18% 19% 16% 17% 8% 14% 2% Manual workers 39% 27% 25% 23% 16% 18% 13% 11% 13% 3% House persons 35% 24% 29% 25% 13% 18% 14% 12% 13% 3% Unemployed 30% 23% 41% 28% 11% 13% 10% 12% 12% 4% Retired 32% 25% 20% 22% 16% 20% 12% 24% 9% 4% Students 32% 35% 27% 23% 21% 14% 13% 6% 13% 3% Difficulties paying bills Most of the time 31% 20% 35% 31% 10% 15% 10% 18% 12% 4% From time to time 35% 21% 28% 24% 16% 16% 14% 14% 13% 3% Almost never/ never 39% 33% 20% 19% 18% 18% 15% 12% 11% 3% Trust in EU Tend to trust 39% 30% 24% 20% 18% 15% 16% 10% 14% 2% Tend not to trust 36% 27% 24% 22% 15% 19% 13% 15% 10% 3% Image of EU Positive 39% 32% 22% 19% 20% 15% 17% 10% 13% 2% Neutral 35% 26% 26% 23% 15% 19% 12% 14% 11% 3% Negative 35% 24% 26% 24% 12% 20% 11% 19% 9% 3% Euro In favour 40% 32% 22% 20% 18% 17% 16% 9% 13% 2% Against 34% 23% 27% 23% 15% 17% 12% 18% 11% 4% DK 113

115 6. DOES THE ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL SYSTEM NEED REFORM? Faced with the crisis, the European Union, the United States and all national governments have taken unprecedented steps to restore stability to financial markets and ensure access to credit. They quickly came to the realisation that these measures needed to be accompanied by reforms in order to prevent further crises and to restore confidence in the banking sector. The European Union has undertaken 46 systems, promoting ethical behaviour and penalising abuse. to reinforce regulatory and risk supervisory How does the public feel about the changes which have shaken the world since the end of 2008? Do they feel that there is a need for medium and long-term reforms or do they believe that the reforms already implemented are sufficient to meet the needs of the future? Do they think that the circumstances make it easier for the various stakeholders to find common ground or do they complicate dialogue and decision-making? Once again, the Split Ballot technique was used. Statements emphasising the need for further reforms and presenting the circumstances as favourable to ongoing reforms were put to half of the sample (Split A). The other half of the respondents were asked instead for their views on statements presenting a more conservative view of reforms ( reforms that have been done so far are sufficient to face the future ) and with a more negative vision of the economic and financial crisis as a catalyst for this development. Finally, the two sub-samples were asked for their views on the same statement associating the need for reforms with solidarity between the generations: reforms that benefit future generations should be pursued even if that means some sacrifices for the present generation. 46 For more information: 114

116 QC9 For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you totally agree, tend to agree, tend to disagree or totally disagree. Agree Disagree DK (SPLIT A) (OUR COUNTRY) needs more reforms to face the future 73% 18% 9% Reforms that benefit future generations should be pursued even if that means some sacrifices for the present generation 71% 19% 10% (SPLIT B) The financial and economic crisis makes it more difficult to adopt reforms 67% 22% 11% (SPLIT A) The financial and economic crisis makes it easier to adopt reforms 50% 36% 14% (SPLIT B) Reforms that have been done so far in (OUR COUNTRY) are sufficient to face the future 27% 62% 11% In general, the main lesson is that Europeans clearly feel the need for reforms 47. Moreover, Europeans seem ready to make sacrifices to that end: seven out of ten Europeans (71%) consider that reforms that benefit future generations should be pursued even if that requires sacrifices for the present generation. The willingness to make some sacrifices in order to ensure economic stability for future generations is consistent with the opinion, held by more than seven out of ten Europeans (73%), that the various countries need further reform to face the future. Support for further reforms is unaffected by the changed wording, as is clearly shown by the fact that 62% of respondents in Split B rejected the statement that the reforms which have been accomplished to date in their respective country are sufficient to face the future. Though the need for reform is not questioned, opinions on the role played by the crisis in triggering such changes are somewhat contradictory. While 50% of respondents agree with the more "optimistic" vision of the crisis, seeing it as an opportunity to facilitate the adoption of reforms, 67% agree with the more pessimistic statement. An analysis by country demonstrates the scope of intergenerational solidarity, with levels of agreement above the European average and reaching peaks of 89% in Finland and 87% in Sweden, and above 80% in Cyprus (83%) and Denmark (82%). 47 QC9 For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you totally agree, tend to agree, tend to disagree or totally disagree. 115

117 The Split A results demonstrate that the demand for reforms is particularly strong in Spain (89%), Finland (89%), Greece (88%) and Cyprus (86%). Similarly, the Split B analysis reveals that when the statement is reversed (the reforms which have been accomplished to date are sufficient to face the future), there is very strong opposition to this idea in Latvia (eight out of ten respondents), France, Bulgaria, Germany and Spain (approximately seven out of ten respondents). Support for the need for reforms is overwhelming, irrespective of the way in which the statement is worded. The most controversial aspect, or in any event the one which seems to be the most problematic for respondents, is determining whether or not the crisis makes it easier or more difficult to introduce reforms. An analysis of the responses to this statement reveals significant differences between countries: the more optimistic vision is widely held in Greece, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Finland (all 64%), Spain (63%) and Sweden (62%); levels of agreement with the second scenario, under which crisis is an obstacle to the adoption of reforms, are the highest in Hungary (83%), Lithuania (76%), Poland (75%), Sweden (75%) and once again in Greece (76%). 116

118 117

119 The following table shows the national results as a whole: QC9 For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you totally agree, tend to agree, tend to disagree or totally disagree. SPLIT A (OUR COUNTRY) needs more reforms to face the future Reforms that benefit future generations should be pursued even if that means some sacrifices for the present generation SPLIT B The financial and economic crisis makes it more difficult to adopt reforms SPLIT A The financial and economic crisis makes it easier to adopt reforms SPLIT B Reforms that have been done so far in (OUR COUNTRY) are sufficient to face the future EU27 73% 71% 67% 50% 27% BE 81% 78% 71% 58% 31% BG 83% 65% 73% 28% 18% CZ 65% 69% 71% 52% 31% DK 57% 82% 72% 57% 29% DE 70% 71% 66% 46% 21% EE 73% 67% 68% 50% 35% IE 72% 63% 61% 56% 26% EL 88% 78% 76% 64% 32% ES 89% 78% 63% 63% 24% FR 57% 67% 62% 49% 17% IT 75% 68% 66% 56% 27% CY 86% 83% 70% 48% 24% LV 80% 48% 73% 52% 18% LT 62% 51% 76% 38% 34% LU 63% 74% 67% 64% 35% HU 65% 74% 83% 47% 27% MT 72% 62% 69% 37% 15% NL 71% 76% 65% 64% 29% AT 67% 61% 65% 55% 40% PL 74% 69% 75% 32% 29% PT 76% 68% 63% 56% 33% RO 71% 65% 66% 40% 32% SI 70% 69% 64% 49% 27% SK 68% 67% 74% 41% 38% FI 89% 89% 71% 64% 34% SE 68% 87% 75% 62% 26% UK 81% 73% 68% 49% 36% HR 76% 67% 70% 56% 29% TR 55% 59% 50% 40% 21% MK 71% 64% 72% 42% 41% * In bold, the highest results per country; in italics the lowest results per country; the grey rectangle shows the highest results per value; the rectangle with black borders shows the lowest results per value. A socio-demographic analysis reveals certain variations according to the interviewee s characteristics. For example, men (76%), young people in work (respondents aged between 25 and 39, 78%), those who studied the longest (77%), managers (79%) and the respondents who trust the European Union (80%) are slightly more likely to consider that their country needs more reforms to face the future than women (72%), the youngest and the oldest respondents (72% in both cases), those who left school the earliest (69%), manual workers (72%) and the respondents who do not trust the European Union (69%). 118

120 Nevertheless, a large majority of respondents in all these categories are in favour of more reforms in their country in order to face the future. There are also very fairly clear differences depending on the respondent s level of education when it comes to the perception of the role of the crisis in facilitating the introduction of reforms: 57% of respondents who studied until the age of 20 or beyond believe that the economic and financial crisis makes it easier to adopt reforms, compared with 42% of those who left school before the age of 16. Attitudes to the single currency are also a discriminant: 57% of those who support the euro believe that the crisis facilitates the adoption of reforms, compared with only 42% of those who are against the single currency. 119

121 QC9 For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you totally agree, tend to agree, tend to disagree or totally disagree. - % Total agree SPLIT A (OUR COUNTRY) needs more reforms to face the future Reforms that benefit future generations should be pursued even if that means some sacrifices for the present generation SPLIT B The financial and economic crisis makes it more difficult to adopt reforms SPLIT A The financial and economic crisis makes it easier to adopt reforms SPLIT B Reforms that have been done so far in (OUR COUNTRY) are sufficient to face the future EU27 73% 71% 67% 50% 27% Sex Male 76% 74% 68% 52% 28% Female 72% 69% 66% 49% 26% Age % 68% 65% 48% 28% % 72% 67% 55% 27% % 72% 69% 51% 28% % 71% 67% 47% 25% Education (End of) 15-69% 66% 65% 42% 25% % 70% 68% 50% 29% % 79% 69% 57% 25% Still studying 71% 70% 67% 53% 25% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 76% 76% 72% 57% 28% Managers 79% 80% 65% 59% 26% Other white collars 77% 74% 69% 58% 27% Manual workers 72% 70% 68% 50% 29% House persons 72% 67% 65% 48% 26% Unemployed 76% 65% 65% 43% 27% Retired 71% 70% 67% 43% 26% Students 71% 70% 67% 53% 25% Difficulties paying bills Most of the time 73% 63% 66% 46% 25% From time to time 72% 65% 67% 48% 27% Almost never/ never 75% 76% 68% 53% 27% Trust in EU Tend to trust 80% 79% 70% 57% 30% Tend not to trust 69% 66% 67% 47% 24% Euro In favour 78% 78% 70% 57% 29% Against 68% 64% 66% 42% 24% 120

122 7. MEASURES TO BE PRIORITISED IN THE REFORM PROCESS When asked which measures should be given priority in reforming the financial system in the European Union 48, Europeans are fairly divided, reflecting the multiple facets of the crisis and the scope of the debate on the appropriate political solutions. 26% of Europeans mentioned the general transparency of profits, costs and risks as the measure which should be prioritised when reforming the financial system in the European Union; in the same vein, a similar proportion said that closer European supervision of financial markets and financial institutions was essential. A slightly smaller proportion of respondents (24%) said that the reform of the economic and financial system in the European Union primarily requires increased accountability of managers in the financial sector, including the controversial question of bonuses. Finally, 13% of citizens believe that priority should be given to developing government guarantees for retail bank deposits. National results reveal that respondents in Slovenia (45%), the Netherlands (45%), Latvia (44%), Sweden (44%) and Slovakia (41%) are the most likely to call for a stronger European system of supervision of financial markets and financial institutions. 48 QC10 From the following list of statements, which one should be given priority when it comes to reforming the financial system in the European Union. 121

123 Interviewees in Spain (21%), the United Kingdom (21%), Portugal (17%), Poland (17%) and Hungary (16%) are less convinced of the urgency of such a measure. Respondents in Greece (39%), France (37%), Estonia (34%), Bulgaria (32%) and Italy (29%) are the most likely to want to prioritise transparency on the markets as regards profits, costs and risks. The demand for reforms to improve the accountability of managers in the financial sector including the question of bonuses seems to be the most pressing in Hungary, where half of respondents believe that this should be prioritised within the European Union. It is also seen as the most urgent measure to be taken in Ireland (38%), Poland (32%) and the United Kingdom (31%). 122

124 Finally, government guarantees for money deposited by savers with banks is the priority for respondents in Austria (28%). This idea is also supported by one in five respondents in Luxembourg (21%). QC10 From the following list of measures, which one should be given priority when it comes to reforming the financial system in the European Union? Transparency of benefits, costs and risks on financial markets Stronger European system of supervision of financial markets and financial institutions Accountability of financial managers, including bonuses Government guarantee for deposits made by individuals DK EU27 26% 26% 24% 13% 9% BE 21% 36% 21% 12% 5% BG 32% 36% 9% 10% 12% CZ 16% 36% 25% 18% 4% DK 29% 27% 27% 11% 5% DE 25% 32% 27% 9% 5% EE 34% 26% 7% 18% 14% IE 18% 23% 38% 8% 12% EL 39% 25% 20% 13% 2% ES 29% 21% 24% 15% 7% FR 37% 23% 14% 16% 9% IT 29% 21% 21% 17% 9% CY 18% 38% 11% 20% 13% LV 27% 44% 3% 10% 13% LT 31% 33% 11% 8% 15% LU 22% 23% 27% 21% 6% HU 17% 16% 50% 12% 4% MT 31% 34% 7% 13% 15% NL 22% 45% 26% 1% 5% AT 22% 21% 22% 28% 4% PL 21% 17% 32% 12% 16% PT 25% 17% 27% 15% 15% RO 20% 30% 9% 13% 26% SI 11% 45% 27% 9% 3% SK 18% 41% 19% 15% 5% FI 26% 36% 28% 6% 3% SE 18% 44% 20% 7% 11% UK 19% 21% 31% 13% 14% * In bold, the highest results per country; in italics the lowest results per country; the grey rectangle shows the highest results per value; the rectangle with black borders shows the lowest results per value. * * * 123

125 In conclusion, the Eurobarometer reveals that public opinion is slightly less concerned than last spring about the effects of the crisis. Although the feeling that the worst is still to come is still widespread, Europeans are far more likely in autumn 2009 than in spring to feel that the crisis has reached its peak. The results also show that, after the initial impetus given by the G20 and the IMF to the economic recovery, Europeans are now looking to national governments and the European Union to take up the fight against the crisis. Finally, though there is no clear consensus on the best way of reforming the financial system in the European Union, the responses suggest that the public is in favour of a stronger European supervisory system, and would like to see more transparency on financial markets and the greater accountability of managers. 124

126 III. THE VALUES OF EUROPEANS This Standard Eurobarometer enables us to take stock of the values of Europeans. The main lessons learnt from our analysis are as follows: The crisis has not undermined European confidence in the market economy. There is still broad support for free market principles, in particular for companies, competition and competitiveness: these three terms have positive connotations for more than three out of four Europeans, a proportion which has actually risen by several points since the spring 2007 survey, before the start of the recent financial and economic crisis 49. Furthermore, the financial and economic crisis has not made Europeans more critical of globalisation. Although Europeans are still ambivalent towards globalisation, and the subject causes significant social and national divisions, it remains the case that that positive mentions of "globalisation" have risen by 6 points since the pre-crisis survey. The public is not in favour of unregulated liberalism. Europeans support the welfare state and aspire to greater solidarity, their top priority for the future. There is therefore a real desire for a social market economy. Moreover, the economic and financial crisis has not pushed ecological issues into the background. On the contrary, Europeans seem increasingly concerned about environmental issues, against a backdrop of widespread coverage of the fight against global warming. After solidarity, protecting the environment is the second priority for Europeans. Indeed, a majority of Europeans believe that environmental protection should be a priority even if it affects economic growth. Europeans remain firmly in favour of technological development and innovation, perhaps because they see them as a way of boosting growth and overcoming the crisis. For Europeans, the European Union embodies the values of political liberalism (democracy, human rights, peace and the rule of law), which are also the values by which they set the greatest store. There is a consensus in Europe about these basic values across all countries and all social categories. However, the European Union has more difficulty in personifying social values such as solidarity and equality, though these lie at the heart of the social demands of Europeans, alongside the environment. 49 Eurobarometer 67, spring

127 1. POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC CONCEPTS - The crisis has not shaken the confidence of European opinion in market economy principles - In this survey a series of political and economic concepts were tested, and respondents were asked whether they had positive or negative connotations 50. The same question was asked in spring 2007 (EB67), so interesting comparisons can be drawn. The main lesson is that, while solidarity and security top the list of positive concepts, all the terms related to the market economy (competition, competitiveness, flexibility and companies) are also perceived positively by a very large majority of Europeans, recording higher scores than in spring Therefore, the financial and economic crisis has in no way shaken European confidence in the principles of the market economy. Nor has it reinforced protectionist tendencies: on the contrary, the proportion of respondents for whom the word protectionism has positive connotations has fallen since spring Finally, the crisis has not increased negative views of globalisation: the proportion of Europeans for whom this concept is positive has increased by 6 points. Therefore, there is a broad European consensus of approval for the principles of the market economy, but a regulated market, as can be seen from the favourable scores also recorded for the terms "solidarity", "welfare state" and, to a lesser extent, "trade union". QD1 Could you please tell me for each of the following, whether the term brings to mind something very positive, fairly positive, fairly negative or very negative? -%EU Total positive Total negative DK Solidarity 84% 12% 4% Security 83% 14% 3% Company 78% 15% 7% Competition 77% 18% 5% Competitiveness 77% 17% 6% Free trade 77% 17% 6% Flexibility 77% 16% 7% Welfare State 71% 22% 7% Reforms 70% 22% 8% Trade union 63% 30% 7% Liberalisation 60% 27% 13% Public administration 53% 41% 6% Globalisation 52% 37% 11% Protectionism 38% 45% 17% 50 QD1 Could you tell me for each of the following, whether the term brings to mind something very positive, fairly positive, fairly negative or very negative? 126

128 1.1. Market economy principles - There is a broad consensus on market economy concepts - QD1 Could you please tell me for each of the following, whether the term brings to mind something very positive, fairly positive, fairly negative or very negative? Company Total Positive Total Negative DK EB72 Aut % 15% 7% EB67 Sp % 15% 11% Competition* EB72 Aut % 18% 5% Flexibility EB72 Aut % 16% 7% EB67 Sp % 17% 11% Competetiveness EB72 Aut % 17% 6% EB67 Sp * New item 73% 18% 9% The main market economy concepts are perceived positively by more than threequarters of Europeans. Moreover, in all cases, the scores are higher than those recorded in spring Thus: 78% of Europeans are positive about the term "company", including 19% very positive and 59% fairly positive mentions. In contrast 15% see it as negative, including 2% very negative and 13% fairly negative answers. 7% of respondents expressed no opinion. The proportion of Europeans for whom the word "company" has positive connotations has increased by 4 points since spring % of Europeans see "competitiveness" as a positive concept, with 20% very positive and 57% of fairly positive answers. Conversely, for 17% of respondents, the term has negative connotations, with 14% fairly negative and 3% very negative answers. 6% expressed no opinion. Positive responses to the term "competitiveness" are up by 4 points since spring % of Europeans are very positive and 54% fairly positive about the term flexibility, giving a total of 77% positive mentions. 13% see it as fairly negative and 3% as very negative, giving a total negative score of 16%. 7% expressed no opinion. Positive responses to the term "flexibility" have risen by 5 points since the spring 2007 Eurobarometer. 127

129 77% of Europeans also consider that the term "competition" has positive connotations, with 19% very positive and 58% fairly positive answers, while 18% of respondents see it as negative (3% very negative and 15% fairly negative). 5% expressed no opinion. This term was not tested in spring There is a very broad European consensus on market economy principles, since in all European Union countries, without exception, these four terms have positive connotations for a very large majority of respondents. Thus, the positive score for the term "company" varies between 66% in the United Kingdom and 96% in Finland and Sweden, while the positive score for "competitiveness" ranges from 69% in France to 91% in Finland. The positive score for "competition" varies from 68% in Italy to 89% in Sweden. Finally, France stands out as regards the term "flexibility", with a positive score of only 57%; once again the highest score for this concept was recorded in Sweden (95%). In the candidate countries, the levels of positive scores for these four terms are similar to the European average in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Croatia. However the positive scores in Turkey are 10 to 15 points below the European average, although this is due far more to the higher level of DK answers than to a higher level of negative answers. The Turkish Cypriot Community stands apart, as respondents there are the least likely of any in the communities and territories surveyed to be positive about the terms "competitiveness" (61%), "competition" (59%) and "flexibility" (57%, equal with France). This consensus is also a social consensus. A large majority in all social categories are positive about these four market economy concepts. However, the most educated and affluent respondents and those at the top of the social scale are by far the most likely to see these concepts as positive. Respondents who trust the European Union and who are in favour of the euro are also particularly positive about these concepts. Thus, 71% of the least educated respondents, 70% of those with financial difficulties and 72% of those who place themselves at the bottom of the social scale are positive about the term "company" compared with 85% of those who studied until age 20 or beyond, 81% of those with no financial difficulties and 85% of those who place themselves at the top of the social scale. 86% of those who trust the European Union and 84% of those who are in favour of the euro are positive about the term, compared with 71% and 70% respectively of those who do not trust the European Union and who are opposed to the euro. The following table shows the differences between categories using the example of the term "company". However, there are very few differences reflecting the respondent s position on the political spectrum. 128

130 QD1.1 Could you please tell me for each of the following, whether the term brings to mind something very positive, fairly positive, fairly negative or very negative? Company Total Positive Total Negative DK EU27 78% 15% 7% Sex Male 80% 15% 5% Female 76% 16% 8% Education (End of) 15-71% 19% 10% % 16% 6% % 11% 4% Still studying 81% 14% 5% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 84% 12% 4% Managers 84% 12% 4% Other white collars 80% 15% 5% Manual workers 78% 16% 6% House persons 74% 18% 8% Unemployed 74% 19% 7% Retired 76% 15% 9% Students 81% 14% 5% Left-Right scale (1-4) Left 79% 16% 5% (5-6) Centre 79% 15% 6% (7-10) Right 81% 15% 4% Difficulties paying bills Most of the time 70% 21% 9% From time to time 75% 19% 6% Almost never/ never 81% 13% 6% Self-positioning on the social staircase Low (1-4) 72% 20% 8% Medium (5-6) 79% 15% 6% High (7-10) 85% 11% 4% Trust in EU Tend to trust 86% 10% 4% Tend not to trust 71% 22% 7% Euro For 84% 12% 4% Similar differences exist for the three other market economy concepts, "flexibility", "competition" and "competitiveness". Thus, the most educated respondents (84%), managers (86%), respondents who almost never have difficulties paying their bills (80%) and those who place themselves at the top of the social scale (83%) are more likely to be positive about the term competition than those who left school before the age of 16 (72%), unemployed people (71%), respondents who often struggle to pay their bills (66%) and those who place themselves at the bottom of the social scale (71%). There are also some variations in accordance with attitudes to the European Union: for example, 84% of those for whom the European Union s image is positive are positive about the term "competition", compared with 65% of those for whom the European Union s image is negative. Despite these variations, a clear majority of respondents in all categories are positive about the word "competition. 129

131 QD1.12 Could you please tell me for each of the following, whether the term brings to mind something very positive, fairly positive, fairly negative or very negative? Competition Total Positive Total Negative DK EU27 77% 18% 5% Sex Male 79% 17% 4% Female 74% 19% 7% Education (End of) 15-72% 20% 8% % 18% 5% % 14% 2% Still studying 74% 22% 4% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 82% 15% 3% Managers 86% 12% 2% Other white collars 78% 18% 4% Manual workers 75% 20% 5% House persons 72% 20% 8% Unemployed 71% 23% 6% Retired 76% 17% 7% Students 74% 22% 4% Difficulties paying bills Most of the time 66% 25% 9% From time to time 73% 21% 6% Almost never/ never 80% 16% 4% Self-positioning on the social staircase Low (1-4) 71% 22% 7% Medium (5-6) 77% 18% 5% High (7-10) 83% 14% 3% Image of EU Positive 84% 13% 3% Neutral 73% 20% 7% Negative 65% 29% 6% Euro In favour 82% 15% 3% Against 69% 25% 6% 130

132 Although the positive score for "liberalisation" has also risen, approval of the term is nevertheless lower than for the four terms discussed above. QD1.7 Could you please tell me for each of the following, whether the term brings to mind something very positive, fairly positive, fairly negative or very negative? - Liberalisation Total Positive Total Negative DK EB72 Aut % 27% 13% EB67 Sp % 25% 17% Thus, 60% of Europeans are positive about the term (11% very positive and 49% fairly positive), while 27% are negative about it (22% fairly negative and 5% very negative). 13% of Europeans interviewed expressed no opinion on this term. The "liberalism" positive score has increased by 2 points since spring A large majority of respondents consider that the term liberalisation has positive connotations in 24 of the 27 European Union countries, with the highest scores being recorded in Sweden (71%), Germany and Greece (70%), Romania and Austria (67%). Opinions are evenly divided in France (44% versus 44%) which is the only "major country" where the term is seriously contested. The negative score for this term has actually risen by 10 points in France since spring Finally, Lithuania recorded a very high DK rate (36%), as a result of which the country s positive score for the term is well below the European average (39%). Opinions are evenly divided in the Turkish Cypriot Community (42% positive answers versus 40%). 131

133 Even if an absolute or relative majority of respondents in all categories are positive about the term, there are significant differences which reflect the respondent s social situation. The higher the respondent s position on the social scale, the more liberalisation is seen as having positive connotations. By way of example, 49% of the people who place themselves at the bottom of the social scale see the word as positive compared with 69% of those at the top. Not unexpectedly, political convictions also influence the way in which respondents perceive the term "liberalisation". Thus, 64% of the people on the right of the political spectrum see it as positive compared with 57% of those on the left. The respondent s age and level of education also play a role: young people (63% of those in the age group) and the longest educated respondents (66%) are more likely than the oldest respondents (56% of those aged 55 or over) and those who left school before the age of 16 (52%) to be positive about the term. 132

134 Finally, respondents who trust the European Union are more likely to be positive about the term (70% versus 51% of those who do not trust it). QD1.7 Could you please tell me for each of the following, whether the term brings to mind something very positive, fairly positive, fairly negative or very negative? Liberalisation Total Positive Total Negative DK EU27 60% 27% 13% Age % 23% 14% % 28% 10% % 29% 11% % 27% 17% Education (End of) 15-52% 28% 20% % 28% 13% % 27% 7% Still studying 66% 21% 13% Left-Right scale (1-4) Left 57% 34% 9% (5-6) Centre 62% 26% 12% (7-10) Right 64% 26% 10% Self-positioning on the social staircase Low (1-4) 49% 32% 19% Medium (5-6) 61% 27% 12% High (7-10) 69% 23% 8% Trust in EU Tend to trust 70% 21% 9% Tend not to trust 51% 36% 13% Finally, opinions are somewhat more divided as regards the term globalisation, though it has positive connotations for a majority, and the positive score for this term has improved more than those of the other terms tested in this question. 133

135 QD1.6 Could you please tell me for each of the following, whether the term brings to mind something very positive, fairly positive, fairly negative or very negative? - Globalisation Total Positive Total Negative DK EB72 Aut % 37% 11% EB67 Sp % 39% 15% 52% of Europeans are positive about the term globalisation (8% are very positive and 44% are fairly positive). However, for 37% of respondents it has negative connotations ( very negative for 9% and fairly negative for 28%). 11% respondents expressed no opinion. The positive score for "globalisation" has increased by 6 points since spring Therefore, in the space of two years, the positive/negative ratio has improved from 46%/39% (a 7-point difference) to 52%/37% (a 15-point difference). There are significant differences between countries on this question. In Greece (58%), Hungary (52%), France (51%), Slovenia (49%) and Latvia (46%) the answers are predominantly negative. Opinions are evenly divided in Cyprus (44% positive answers versus 43%) and Austria (49% versus 45%). The highest positive scores for this term were recorded in Denmark (82%) and Sweden (80%). It is important to note that the positive scores for globalisation have increased in all European Union countries, except for France, Slovenia, Italy and Denmark where they are unchanged in comparison with spring 2007, and in Malta, where the proportion of positive answers has fallen by 3 points to 54%. Although, as we have seen, a majority of respondents are negative about this term in Hungary and Greece, positive opinions have nevertheless increased by 12 points in both countries. Positive scores are also significantly higher in Slovakia (+25 points), Bulgaria (+18), the Netherlands (+15), Portugal (+14), Estonia (+12) and the Czech Republic (+10). 134

136 There are also significant socio-demographic divisions as regards perceptions of globalisation. The younger and more educated respondents are, and the higher their position on the social scale, the more likely they are to be positive about the term, as can be seen from the table below. For a detailed analysis of opinions of globalisation, by Member State and by sociodemographic criteria, see the part of the report focusing more specifically on globalisation Report: The European Union and globalisation. 135

137 1.2. Free trade and protectionism - Strong European support for free trade - The concept of free trade enjoys far greater support among Europeans than protectionism and the crisis has not reinforced protectionist tendencies. QD1.4+5 Could you please tell me for each of the following, whether the term brings to mind something very positive, fairly positive, fairly negative or very negative? Total Positive Total Negative DK Protectionism EB72 Aut % 45% 17% EB67 Sp % 38% 21% Free trade EB72 Aut % 17% 6% EB67 Sp % 16% 8% Thus, 77% of Europeans consider that the term free trade has positive connotations (21% very positive and 56% fairly positive), while only 17% see it as negative (3% very negative and 14% fairly negative) and 6% expressed no opinion. The positive score has increased by one point since spring In comparison, only 38% of Europeans are positive about the term protectionism (7% very positive and 31% fairly positive). Conversely, its connotations are negative for 45% of respondents (13% very and 32% fairly negative) and 17% expressed no opinion. The positive score for this term has fallen by 3 points since spring 2007, while the negative score has increased by 7 points over the same period. The DK rate has declined by 4 percentage points. As a result, the situation has been reversed: whereas in spring 2007 a very narrow majority of Europeans were positive about the term protectionism (41% versus 38%), there is now a fairly clear majority of negative opinions. A large majority of respondents in all European Union countries are positive about the term free trade, with the highest and lowest scores being recorded in Germany (87%) and Portugal (63%) respectively. Whereas opinions in France are evenly divided on the term liberalisation, views on free trade are more positive (70%). 136

138 National differences are more perceptible as regards protectionism. In eight European Union countries, a majority of respondents are positive about the term. These are mainly Mediterranean countries: Greece (73% versus 25%), Cyprus (79% versus 15%), Malta (53% versus 19%), Portugal (52% versus 29%) and Spain (48% versus 40%), alongside Romania (65% versus 21%), Luxembourg (51% versus 41%) and Ireland (49% versus 27%). Opinions are evenly divided in Italy (43% versus 47%) and Slovenia (42% versus 42%). The term protectionism is overwhelmingly rejected in Hungary (78%) and Slovakia (69%). A socio-demographic analysis of the results reveals that all social categories are positive about the term free trade, but as for the other market economy concepts, the most educated and affluent respondents and those who are the most in favour of European integration tend to be the most positive about it. 137

139 Differences also exist as regards protectionism: there is an age effect, since the young generations are more likely (43% of those aged between 15 and 24) than the oldest respondents (34% of those aged 55 or over) to be positive about the term. The respondents who studied until age 20 or beyond, 57% of whom judge it negatively, are less likely than the least educated respondents (38%) to be positive about the term. On the other hand, the respondent s social and economic situation has little influence: thus, the term is perceived positively by almost identical proportions of respondents who have financial difficulties (38%) and those who do not (37%). Somewhat curiously, attitudes towards the European Union have little effect on opinions about protectionism. Thus, respondents who are in favour of the euro (47% negative answers versus 40% positive answers) and those who are opposed to it (44% versus 37%) have similar views on protectionism. The ratio of positive/negative answers for this item is fairly similar for the interviewees who consider that their country has benefited from EU membership (47% negative answers versus 40% positive answers) and for those who think that their country has not (47% versus 36%). QD1.5 Could you please tell me for each of the following, whether the term brings to mind something very positive, fairly positive, fairly negative or very negative? Protectionism Total Positive Total Negative DK EU27 38% 45% 17% Age % 38% 19% % 46% 13% % 48% 14% % 46% 20% Education (End of) 15-38% 38% 24% % 43% 16% % 57% 10% Still studying 42% 40% 18% Difficulties paying bills Most of the time 38% 41% 21% From time to time 41% 42% 17% Almost never/ never 37% 48% 15% Benefit EU membership Benefited 40% 47% 13% Not benefited 36% 47% 17% Euro In favour 40% 47% 13% Against 37% 44% 19% 138

140 1.3. The welfare state, solidarity and trade unions - European opinion wants to reconcile the market economy and solidarity - Although Europeans broadly support market economy values, they attach equal importance to the words "solidarity and "welfare state", reflecting a desire to see social aspects taken into account. Europeans are clearly in favour of the market economy and its principles; but respondents also want a market economy which is not simply based on a laissez-faire approach, that is to say a more regulated economy which protects their interests. 84% of Europeans are positive about the term "solidarity", more than a third (36%) being very positive and 48% fairly positive. The term has negative connotations for 12% of respondents (2% very and 10% fairly negative) and 4% expressed no opinion. This term was not tested in the spring 2007 survey. Of all the terms tested in this survey, solidarity obtained the highest positive score. Although a very large majority of respondents are positive about this term in all European Union countries, respondents in the United Kingdom are the least enthusiastic (64%). This word attracts a very broad consensus among all social categories. For 71% of Europeans, the term "welfare state" has positive connotations ( very positive for 22% and fairly positive for 49%), while 22% of respondents are negative ( very, 4% and fairly, 18%) and 7% expressed no opinion. The positive score for the welfare state has increased by 2 points since spring However this modest change at European level conceals very strong differences by country. Thus, the positive scores have increased strongly in Bulgaria (+17 points, to 90%), Portugal (+13, 58%), Greece (+10, 89%) and Germany (+10, 83%). However, they have fallen fairly sharply in Latvia (-11 points, 74%) and Ireland (-10, 46%). 139

141 QD1.2 Could you please tell me for each of the following, whether the term brings to mind something very positive, fairly positive, fairly negative or very negative? - The welfare state Total Positive Total Negative DK EB72 Aut % 22% 7% EB67 Sp % 21% 10% An absolute majority of respondents are positive about the term in all European Union countries, except for Ireland (46% versus 42%) and, more curiously, France (35% versus 37%, with a high DK rate of 28%). Citizens in the Nordic countries (94% in Finland, 88% in Denmark and 87% in Sweden) and Greece (89%) are particularly positive about this term. 140

142 A socio-demographic analysis reveals a broad positive consensus across all categories of the European population. However, it is interesting to note that the term welfare state is even more positively perceived in the affluent and higher social categories than in the more modest categories. In other words, those who may be assumed to have the most need of the welfare state are slightly less likely to judge the term positively. This can undoubtedly be explained in part by the fact that their understanding of the concept is weaker, as can be seen from the level of DK answers, which is slightly above the average in the more modest categories. Thus, 67% of unemployed people are positive about the term compared with 71% of managers. It is perceived positively by 62% of those with financial difficulties compared with 73% of those who have no such problems, and by 64% of the people who place themselves at the bottom of the social scale compared with 75% of those at the top. 141

143 Opinions about the welfare state do not depend therefore on the needs that respondents might have in this regard. They are rather based on the values that this concept represents. The level of education of respondents has fairly little impact on how they perceive this term. QD1.2 Could you please tell me for each of the following, whether the term brings to mind something very positive, fairly positive, fairly negative or very negative? The welfare state Total Positive Total Negative DK EU27 71% 22% 7% Education (End of) 15-69% 21% 10% % 24% 7% % 21% 5% Still studying 74% 17% 9% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 75% 21% 4% Managers 71% 25% 4% Other white collars 72% 23% 5% Manual workers 68% 24% 8% House persons 71% 21% 8% Unemployed 67% 25% 8% Retired 70% 21% 9% Students 74% 17% 9% Difficulties paying bills Most of the time 62% 26% 12% From time to time 69% 23% 8% Almost never/ never 73% 21% 6% Self-positioning on the social staircase Low (1-4) 64% 25% 11% Medium (5-6) 72% 21% 7% High (7-10) 75% 21% 4% 142

144 Although there is positive consensus on the term welfare state, opinions are far more divided on the term public administration: its connotations are positive for 53% (8% very positive and 45% fairly positive), and negative for 41% (8% very negative and 33% fairly negative). 6% of respondents expressed no opinion. The ratio of positive/negative answers has remained stable since spring QD1.10 Could you please tell me for each of the following, whether the term brings to mind something very positive, fairly positive, fairly negative or very negative? - Public administration Total Positive Total Negative DK EB72 Aut % 41% 6% EB67 Sp % 38% 9% In four European Union countries, the term has negative connotations for a majority of respondents: Latvia (66%), Italy (55%), Slovenia (55%) and Bulgaria (50%). Opinions are evenly divided in Belgium (49% of positive answers versus 47%), Hungary (48% versus 48%), the United Kingdom (46% versus 42%) and Poland (44% versus 47%). Respondents in Estonia (77%), Cyprus (76%), Luxembourg (73%) and Finland (72%) are particularly positive about this term. As for the term "welfare state", the most affluent and educated respondents are more positive than the more modest categories about the expression "public administration". Thus, 58% of those who place themselves at the top of the social scale are positive about this term compared with 48% of those at the bottom, as are 56% of those without financial difficulties compared with 44% of those with financial difficulties. 143

145 Finally, also in the area of social issues, this survey also asked respondents about their perceptions of the term "trade union". 63% of Europeans see it as positive (13% very positive and 50% fairly positive), while it conjures up negative connotations for 30% of Europeans ( very for 7% and fairly for 23%). 7% of the interviewees expressed no opinion. The positive score for trade unions is up by 2 points since spring QD1.8 Could you please tell me for each of the following, whether the term brings to mind something very positive, fairly positive, fairly negative or very negative? - Trade union Total Positive Total Negative DK EB72 Aut % 30% 7% EB67 Sp % 29% 10% Although there are some slight differences between countries, a majority of respondents in all European Union countries are positive about trade unions, with scores ranging from 49% in Slovenia and 52% in Ireland to 85% in Finland and Denmark. 144

146 67% of managers, 66% of manual workers and 60% of unemployed people and pensioners are positive about the term, as are 68% of people who studied until age 20 or beyond, compared with 57% of those who left school before the age of 16. The trend here is similar to that noted for the terms "welfare state" and "public administration": the higher categories are more likely than the lower social categories to be positive about these terms. 145

147 1.4. Security and Reforms There is widespread approval among Europeans for the terms "security" and "reforms" which were also tested in this survey. 83% of Europeans are positive about the term security, including 38% who are very positive and 45% who are fairly positive, while 14% of respondents see it as negative (3% very negative and 11% fairly negative). Only 3% expressed no opinion. Security thus ranks in second place, just behind solidarity, among the terms with the highest positive scores. This item was not surveyed in Security is a value which is very widely shared across all European Union countries and social categories. 146

148 QD1.9 Could you please tell me for each of the following, whether the term brings to mind something very positive, fairly positive, fairly negative or very negative? - Reforms Total Positive Total Negative DK EB72 Aut % 22% 8% EB67 Sp % 26% 10% Europeans remain attached to reforms. 70% of Europeans are positive about this word, tested in the plural (16% are very positive and 54% are fairly positive), while for 22% of Europeans reforms have negative connotations ( very negative for 4% and fairly negative for 18%). 8% expressed no opinion. The positive score for reforms is 6 points higher than in spring The term is viewed positively in all Member States, except for Latvia where opinions are evenly divided (48% of positive answers versus 46%). Respondents are particularly positive in Finland (94%), Spain (87%), Cyprus (86%) and Greece (83%). Although a majority of respondents in all social categories are positive about the term, respondents in the higher social categories are far more positive than those in more modest categories. A detailed analysis of opinions on reforms can be found in the part of the report devoted more specifically to the crisis Report: Europeans, the European Union and the crisis. Chapter 2.6: Reforming the economic and financial system. 147

149 2. THE VALUES SHARED BY EUROPEANS AND THOSE WHICH BEST REPRESENT THE EUROPEAN UNION 2.1 The values of Europeans - Respect for human life, peace and human rights are the three most important values for Europeans - When asked to indicate the three most important personal values, Europeans put respect for human life (44%), peace (42%) and human rights (40%) first 53. These three values come far ahead of the rest: democracy (24%), individual freedom (24%), the rule of law (20%), tolerance (19%), equality (18%), solidarity (17%), self-fulfilment (13%), respect for other cultures (8%) and religion (6%). The order in which Europeans list their values is solid and relatively constant over time. However, there have been some changes. Respect for human life obtained three points more than in spring 2008 and, while the score for human rights has declined by 2 points. As a result, in comparison with spring 2008, respect for human life has now replaced human rights as the most important value. The scores for democracy and peace have fallen by 3 points while those for solidarity and tolerance have increased by 4 and 3 points respectively. Although these changes do not drastically alter the basic structure of the European values, there is nevertheless a slight trend towards the greater prominence of individual values (respect for human life, solidarity and tolerance) accompanied by a slight decline in more abstract universal values (human rights and peace). 53 QD7 In the following list, which are the three most important values for you personally? (MAX. 3 ANSWERS) 148

150 The answers to this question do not reveal any strong national differences, which is a sign that Europeans share a common set of values. The trio of respect for human life, peace and human rights represents the top values in 26 of the 27 EU Member States, only the order of the three values varying. Austria is the only exception, with the highest score being obtained by individual freedom (52%). Respect for human life was mentioned particularly frequently in Ireland (60%) and Cyprus (54%, though in second place behind human rights, 65%). Overall this was the most frequently mentioned value in eleven Member States: Ireland (60%), Hungary (53%), the United Kingdom (51%), Bulgaria (49%), France (48%), Portugal (46%), Spain and the Netherlands (both 45%), Belgium (43%), the Czech Republic (41% equal first with human rights) and Italy (41%). Peace was placed first in Germany (61%) and Slovenia (58%). Indeed it came first in 9 of the 27 Member States: in addition to Germany and Slovenia, peace was the most frequently mentioned value in Finland and Luxembourg (both 54%), Estonia and Greece (51% each), Latvia (47%, equal with human rights), Malta and Denmark (both 45%). Human rights were most frequently mentioned in Cyprus (65%) and Sweden (60%), but are also the most important value in six other Member States: Lithuania (55%), Latvia (47%, joint first with peace), Poland (45%), Romania (44%), Slovakia (42%) and the Czech Republic (41%, joint first with respect for human life). Other noteworthy national differences are: Individual freedom, which respondents in Austria (52%) rank as the most important value, was also particularly important in Bulgaria, where it stands in second place with a score of 41%. Respondents in the Scandinavian countries are particularly attached to democracy: Sweden (47%) and Denmark (40%). The rule of law obtained its highest scores in Slovenia and Italy (both 33%). Respondents in Belgium and France (both 28%) were more likely than Europeans as a whole to mention tolerance. 149

151 Respect for human life QD7 In the following list, which are the three most important values for you personally? (MAX. 3 ANSWERS) Peace Human rights Individual Solidarity, The Rule of Selffulfilment Democracy Tolerance Equality support for freedom Law others Respect for other cultures EU27 44% 42% 40% 24% 24% 20% 19% 18% 17% 13% 8% 6% 1% Religion DK BE 43% 41% 36% 23% 26% 12% 28% 19% 22% 18% 8% 4% 0% BG 49% 30% 40% 41% 15% 27% 14% 12% 20% 18% 3% 8% 1% CZ 41% 40% 41% 39% 26% 22% 19% 11% 16% 17% 2% 2% 0% DK 37% 45% 40% 26% 40% 25% 21% 29% 17% 2% 13% 3% 0% DE 38% 61% 39% 25% 31% 17% 23% 8% 17% 12% 10% 4% 0% EE 50% 51% 37% 16% 16% 25% 23% 14% 15% 18% 12% 2% 1% IE 60% 36% 27% 28% 20% 21% 14% 20% 13% 24% 8% 9% 2% EL 46% 51% 39% 23% 33% 27% 1% 18% 12% 9% 5% 13% 0% ES 45% 31% 44% 14% 25% 16% 17% 24% 26% 10% 9% 2% 0% FR 48% 47% 43% 25% 20% 7% 28% 23% 24% 14% 10% 4% 0% IT 41% 29% 40% 22% 28% 33% 11% 17% 14% 14% 4% 5% 1% CY 54% 45% 65% 20% 28% 19% 2% 16% 19% 3% 9% 18% 0% LV 43% 47% 47% 31% 13% 12% 14% 17% 15% 16% 12% 5% 0% LT 41% 30% 55% 34% 20% 25% 16% 14% 12% 9% 6% 8% 1% LU 43% 54% 41% 18% 24% 15% 21% 17% 22% 7% 13% 4% 1% HU 53% 51% 32% 28% 23% 12% 12% 19% 18% 23% 3% 6% 0% MT 42% 45% 39% 18% 26% 12% 12% 16% 24% 15% 7% 21% 1% NL 45% 42% 29% 27% 28% 9% 23% 18% 24% 20% 15% 9% 0% AT 40% 48% 34% 52% 28% 11% 16% 20% 12% 13% 3% 6% 0% PL 42% 38% 45% 15% 14% 16% 18% 18% 14% 9% 6% 13% 4% PT 46% 42% 38% 17% 20% 11% 11% 24% 24% 11% 5% 3% 2% RO 41% 35% 44% 19% 21% 19% 8% 18% 19% 26% 2% 18% 3% SI 41% 58% 42% 25% 12% 33% 20% 18% 19% 10% 4% 2% 0% SK 35% 39% 42% 27% 22% 22% 22% 14% 15% 19% 4% 17% 0% FI 45% 54% 42% 24% 15% 23% 19% 27% 15% 10% 4% 12% 0% SE 37% 52% 60% 16% 47% 14% 14% 21% 16% 7% 8% 1% 0% UK 51% 32% 33% 28% 18% 31% 21% 22% 6% 9% 14% 7% 2% CY (tcc) 38% 22% 44% 37% 29% 44% 11% 28% 11% 10% 4% 8% 2% MK 37% 47% 42% 17% 25% 35% 9% 22% 16% 6% 4% 6% 2% HR 45% 42% 50% 22% 17% 35% 12% 20% 21% 6% 3% 7% 1% TR 43% 31% 38% 18% 28% 14% 17% 29% 14% 2% 3% 25% 2% * In bold, the highest results per country; in italics the lowest results per country; the grey rectangle shows the highest results per value; the rectangle with black borders shows the lowest results per value. 150

152 There is also a consensus on this trio of values - respect for human life, peace and human rights - among all respondents, irrespective of sociological characteristics. Nevertheless, we detected a generation effect, with the youngest respondents being more aware of human rights, while the oldest are more attached to peace. 47% of those aged 15 to 24 mentioned human rights as an important value compared with 36% of those aged 55 or over. Conversely, 47% of those aged 55 or over mentioned peace compared with 37% of those aged 15 to 24. The oldest respondents (47%) are also more likely than those in the 15 to 24 age group (37%) to mention respect for human life. Finally, respondents aged 15 to 24 are far more likely than the European average to mention equality (26%) as an important value. Political leanings have little influence on this question of values (although those with left-wing sympathies are more likely to mention solidarity than those on the right) and ultimately those on the right and left of the political spectrum share a common set of basic values The values embodied by the European Union - Democracy, peace and human rights are the values which best represent the EU - Having asked Europeans to place their personal values in order of importance, it is interesting to compare them with the values which they consider best represent the European Union 54. In general, these hierarchies are consistent. It is true that respect for human life, which was ranked as the most important personal value by Europeans, is not among the values strongly embodied by the European Union, since only 15% of respondents mentioned it. But this can doubtless be explained by the fact that respect for human life is perceived more as a form of individual behaviour than as a value falling within the scope of collective political action. However, apart from this exception, the values embodied by the European Union include those which are the most important for Europeans personally: democracy, peace and human rights. Thus, with a score of 39%, democracy is the first of the values cited by Europeans as best representing the European Union, just ahead of human rights (37%) and peace (36%). This trio far outweighs the other values in importance. They are followed by the rule of law (26%), respect for other cultures (18%), solidarity (17%), respect for human life (15%), individual freedom (14%), equality (12%), tolerance (10%), self-fulfilment (4%) and religion (3%). 54 QD8 Which three of the following values best represent the European Union? 151

153 The three most important values embodied by the European Union are the same as in spring However, there have been interesting changes within this leading group of values. For example, democracy is up by 5 points, undoubtedly influenced by the European elections held in the meantime. The score for peace has fallen by one point, while the score for human rights is unchanged. As a result democracy, which was in second place in spring 2008, now leads the ranking. Finally, the scores for human rights (+4 points) and solidarity (+2 points) have increased, while those for the other items are more or less unchanged. The leading trio is the same in all European Union countries though obviously there are differences in the order in which the three values are ranked from one country to the next. Thus, respondents in Denmark (55%), Slovakia (52%), Germany (49%) and Spain (48%) are far more likely than the European average to mention democracy. Citizens in Cyprus (55%), Lithuania (48%), Romania (48%) and Denmark (47%) display more than average sensitivity to the embodiment by the European Union of human rights. In Germany (54%), Sweden (54%), Greece (53%), Slovenia (49%), Luxembourg (48%) and France (46%), the EU embodies first of all peace. Finally, public opinion in the Netherlands (44%) and Bulgaria (43%) is particularly attached to the rule of law as the value which best represents the European Union. In the candidate countries, for respondents in Croatia the European Union primarily embodies the rule of law (40%), followed by democracy (35%) and human rights (31%). Respondents in Turkey put human rights (38%) at the top of their list, ahead of respect for human life (29%) and democracy (28%). Finally, respondents in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia put peace (38%), human rights (37%) and democracy (35%) at the top of their list. 152

154 Despite minor differences in strength of feeling between the various social categories, the main point of note is that there is a broad consensus across all European social categories on the trio of values, democracy, human rights and peace, embodied by the European Union. In short, the European Union represents the democratic and humanist values which Europeans believe matter the most. 153

155 QD8 Which three of the following values best represent the European Union? (MAX. 3 ANSWERS) Democracy Human rights Peace The Rule of Law Respect for other cultures Solidarity, support for others Respect for human life Individual freedom Equality Tolerance Self-fulfilment Religion None (SPONT.) DK EU27 39% 37% 36% 26% 18% 17% 15% 14% 12% 10% 4% 3% 4% 8% BE 41% 44% 40% 20% 15% 21% 16% 11% 14% 13% 3% 2% 5% 4% BG 44% 43% 26% 43% 8% 20% 29% 18% 6% 13% 6% 2% 1% 6% CZ 45% 34% 41% 28% 24% 23% 11% 19% 8% 7% 4% 2% 2% 3% DK 55% 47% 38% 29% 19% 23% 10% 9% 20% 6% 5% 3% 2% 4% DE 49% 37% 54% 28% 22% 20% 9% 10% 8% 8% 4% 4% 3% 4% EE 40% 40% 39% 26% 21% 25% 18% 9% 8% 10% 5% 5% 1% 7% IE 38% 31% 24% 35% 15% 20% 29% 20% 19% 10% 7% 2% 1% 9% EL 38% 34% 53% 18% 12% 17% 22% 24% 13% 9% 10% 2% 3% 1% ES 48% 37% 28% 29% 15% 15% 19% 13% 15% 12% 2% 1% 3% 5% FR 36% 43% 46% 19% 26% 16% 12% 13% 9% 12% 2% 2% 4% 7% IT 34% 33% 27% 28% 16% 16% 24% 20% 16% 11% 5% 4% 4% 4% CY 31% 55% 28% 19% 32% 32% 22% 20% 23% 8% 2% 5% 3% 3% LV 30% 40% 32% 30% 16% 18% 12% 21% 9% 7% 9% 2% 4% 5% LT 37% 48% 29% 20% 18% 19% 18% 22% 11% 9% 4% 3% 1% 9% LU 43% 43% 48% 24% 22% 18% 19% 14% 13% 13% 2% 3% 2% 1% HU 41% 37% 38% 21% 18% 17% 16% 21% 12% 9% 8% 3% 6% 2% MT 36% 37% 35% 34% 20% 20% 25% 15% 16% 7% 3% 4% 1% 7% NL 44% 37% 42% 44% 18% 17% 7% 7% 13% 7% 3% 3% 2% 8% AT 39% 34% 42% 27% 15% 20% 15% 19% 14% 10% 10% 3% 7% 3% PL 35% 30% 29% 16% 14% 15% 13% 14% 9% 16% 3% 2% 2% 13% PT 31% 33% 34% 19% 11% 20% 25% 15% 20% 8% 4% 2% 2% 6% RO 38% 48% 30% 34% 7% 21% 22% 16% 14% 7% 8% 5% 1% 8% SI 34% 27% 49% 29% 17% 12% 13% 15% 12% 13% 4% 4% 6% 4% SK 52% 45% 36% 18% 15% 23% 17% 17% 11% 13% 7% 4% 1% 1% FI 35% 42% 42% 33% 22% 12% 12% 14% 16% 12% 4% 4% 3% 3% SE 47% 32% 54% 27% 20% 21% 7% 12% 9% 6% 4% 2% 3% 7% UK 26% 37% 17% 24% 21% 10% 12% 9% 16% 10% 5% 4% 7% 20% CY (tcc) 29% 49% 15% 45% 5% 11% 36% 32% 27% 8% 9% 6% 1% 4% MK 35% 37% 38% 34% 7% 17% 23% 16% 17% 9% 7% 4% 2% 5% HR 35% 31% 29% 40% 15% 13% 15% 12% 12% 11% 4% 2% 7% 9% TR 28% 38% 19% 18% 7% 9% 29% 22% 22% 10% 5% 5% 2% 14% * In bold, the highest results per country; in italics the lowest results per country; the grey rectangle shows the highest results per value; the rectangle with black borders shows the lowest results per value. 154

156 3. THE VALUES EUROPEAN WOULD LIKE TO SEE EMPHASISED - Solidarity and the environment are the top priorities of Europeans - When asked to indicate which two values European society should emphasise in order to face major global challenges, Europeans placed social equality and solidarity at the top of their list with a score of 45%, ahead of protecting the environment (37%), progress and innovation (33%), free trade and the market economy (32%), cultural diversity (16%) and traditions (10%) 55. This order of priorities is unchanged since the previous Eurobarometer wave. The highest scores for social equality and solidarity were recorded in Cyprus (66%), Greece (59%), France (57%) and Portugal (55%). This item was also the most frequently mentioned in 15 other Member States: Spain (53%), Luxembourg and Austria (52% each), Finland (51%), Belgium (50%), Bulgaria (49%), Germany (48%), the Czech Republic and Slovenia (46% each), the Netherlands (45%), Ireland (44%), Slovakia (43%), Italy (40%), Estonia (38%) and Poland (36%, in joint first place with free trade/market economy). Concerns about the environment are particularly strong in Sweden (66%), Cyprus (63%), Malta (55%), Greece (54%) and the United Kingdom (46%), where respondents want this aspect to be prioritised in order to face the major global challenges. There is particularly strong support for progress and innovation in Hungary (48%) and Germany (41%). This item is the main priority in Hungary. 55 QB6 From the following items, which two should our society emphasise in order to face major global challenges? 155

157 Support for free trade is stronger in Latvia (55%), Lithuania (54%), the Czech Republic (40%) and Bulgaria (39%). It is the main priority in these two Baltic States as well as in Poland, with a score of 36% (equal with social equality). Finally, Austrians are the most likely to mention traditions: 18% versus 10% of Europeans as a whole. In the candidate countries, the principles of free trade and the market economy (49%) are the top priority for respondents in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, just ahead of social equality and solidarity (47%). This order is reversed in Croatia, where 56% of respondents mentioned equality and solidarity while 41% cited free trade/market economy. Respondents in Turkey attach the most importance to equality and solidarity (38%), ahead of progress and innovation (31%). 156

158 QB6 From the following items, which two should our society emphasise in order to face major global challenges? (ROTATE MAX. 2 ANSWERS) Social equality and solidarity Protecting the environment Progress and innovation Free trade/ market economy Cultural diversity and openness to others Traditions EU27 45% 37% 33% 32% 16% 10% 4% DK BE 50% 37% 37% 30% 12% 9% 2% BG 49% 31% 32% 39% 11% 12% 5% CZ 46% 31% 27% 40% 20% 15% 2% DK 42% 45% 37% 33% 28% 7% 2% DE 48% 35% 41% 39% 13% 7% 1% EE 38% 28% 27% 35% 25% 13% 7% IE 44% 36% 25% 35% 17% 11% 11% EL 59% 54% 24% 25% 12% 12% 1% ES 53% 34% 34% 23% 18% 6% 4% FR 57% 48% 34% 20% 16% 8% 3% IT 40% 28% 36% 31% 17% 14% 3% CY 66% 63% 18% 23% 13% 13% 1% LV 42% 20% 29% 55% 11% 7% 5% LT 45% 22% 21% 54% 11% 8% 8% LU 52% 47% 25% 27% 19% 8% 2% HU 42% 31% 48% 29% 14% 15% 2% MT 35% 55% 27% 34% 6% 14% 6% NL 45% 34% 40% 34% 22% 7% 2% AT 52% 39% 31% 32% 15% 18% 1% PL 36% 25% 30% 36% 13% 14% 8% PT 55% 31% 26% 20% 16% 8% 6% RO 35% 40% 23% 36% 13% 12% 10% SI 46% 35% 44% 34% 11% 8% 1% SK 43% 31% 33% 41% 16% 11% 2% FI 51% 38% 40% 25% 23% 12% 1% SE 52% 66% 23% 30% 21% 3% 1% UK 28% 46% 27% 33% 16% 12% 9% CY (tcc) 51% 40% 35% 35% 12% 15% 3% MK 47% 32% 23% 49% 12% 6% 4% HR 56% 22% 29% 41% 13% 10% 5% TR 25% 31% 19% 24% 11% 9% * In bold, the highest results per country; in italics the lowest results per country; the grey rectangle shows the highest results per value; the rectangle with black borders shows the lowest results per value. A socio-demographic analysis shows that the answers are very uniform, with very few differences by respondent category. Thus, social equality and solidarity is the most frequently mentioned value in all categories, irrespective of the respondent s income or social position. It is supported in almost equal proportions by both managers (43%) and manual workers (44%) and by respondents with financial difficulties (47%) and those without such difficulties (44%). The desire for greater equality and solidarity is therefore shared by all social categories in Europe. 157

159 4. THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL VALUES OF EUROPEANS 4.1. State and free competition Europeans are critical of a State which they see as too omnipresent in their lives, and a majority agree that free competition is essential for prosperity. QD2a.1 To what extent do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements? - The State intervenes too much in our lives Total Agree Total Disagree DK EB72 Aut % 35% 4% EB71 Sp % 35% 4% 61% of Europeans agree that the State intervenes too much in their lives (20% totally agree and 41% tend to agree ), while 35% disagree with this statement (6% totally disagree and 29% tend to disagree ) 56. 4% expressed no opinion. Opinions of this aspect of the State have remained unchanged since the last Eurobarometer wave. Respondents in the United Kingdom (77%) are the most critical of State interventionism. Conversely, a majority of respondents disagree with this statement in Estonia (58%), Finland (56%) and Bulgaria (51%). Opinions are evenly divided in Cyprus (49% agree versus 47%) and Luxembourg (48% versus 50%). 56 QD2a1 To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement: the State intervenes too much in our lives? 158

160 There are no significant differences in the attitudes of respondents to State interventionism in accordance with their social and economic situation. All categories agree that the State intervenes too much. However men (63%), respondents who left school between the ages of 16 and 19 (64%), manual workers (64%) and unemployed people (65%) are slightly more likely than women (59%), the respondents who studied beyond the age of 19 (58%), managers (59%) and above all students (54%) to consider that the State intervenes too much in their lives. 159

161 QD2a.1 To what extent do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements? - % EU The State intervenes too much in our lives Total Agree Total Disagree DK EU27 61% 35% 4% Sex Male 63% 33% 4% Female 59% 36% 5% Age % 34% 6% % 35% 3% % 34% 4% % 36% 5% Education (End of) 15-62% 33% 5% % 32% 4% % 38% 4% Still studying 54% 40% 6% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 63% 34% 3% Managers 59% 38% 3% Other white collars 62% 34% 4% Manual workers 64% 32% 4% House persons 60% 35% 5% Unemployed 65% 30% 5% Retired 59% 36% 5% Students 54% 40% 6% Though this question is discussed in the part devoted to European economic and social values, it is important to qualify its interpretation. The question did not specifically concern the State s intervention in the economy, but rather individual lives. Respondents answers may be based on issues other than the State s economic role (road safety, family life, etc.). In other words, we cannot conclude that Europeans are against State intervention in the economy, especially when we remember that 71% of respondents are positive about the term welfare state. However, the acceptance of free competition as a driver of economic growth is far clearer. QD2a.4 To what extent do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements? - Free competition is the best guarantee for economic prosperity Total Agree Total Disagree DK EB72 Aut % 24% 10% EB71 Sp % 25% 10% 160

162 Two-thirds (66%) of Europeans agree (17% totally agree and 49% tend to agree ) with the statement that free competition is the best guarantee of economic prosperity, while 24% disagree (4% totally disagree and 20% tend to disagree ) and 10% expressed no opinion 57. There are only minor changes since the previous Eurobarometer survey in spring 2009 (EB71): the proportion of respondents in agreement has increased by one point, while that of respondents in disagreement has fallen by one point. This approval of the effectiveness of free competition as an economic principle is fully in line with the overall positive assessment of market economy principles, described above. An absolute majority of respondents in 26 of the 27 EU Member States support the principle of free competition, the highest scores being recorded in Slovakia (79%), Germany (77%) and Latvia (77%). Only France stands out, as in the previous Eurobarometer wave, with an approval rating considerably below the European average (49% agree, while 39% disagree). 57 QD2a4 To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement: free competition is the best guarantee for economic prosperity? 161

163 All social categories support the principle of free competition, though more strongly in the higher social categories. Thus, 72% of those who position themselves at the top of the social scale consider that free competition is the best way of ensuring economic prosperity, compared with 60% of those at the bottom. Similarly, self-employed people (71%), managers (69%) and employees (69%) are slightly more likely than unemployed people to consider that free competition is the best guarantee of economic prosperity (60%). Moreover, respondents on the right of the political spectrum (72%) are more convinced of the benefits of free competition than those on the left (61%). Nevertheless, free competition is perceived positively by a large majority of the latter group. QD2a.4 To what extent do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements? Free competition is the best guarantee for economic prosperity Total Agree Total Disagree DK EU27 66% 24% 10% Sex Male 69% 23% 8% Female 63% 24% 13% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 71% 23% 6% Managers 69% 26% 5% Other white collars 69% 24% 7% Manual workers 65% 25% 10% House persons 61% 24% 15% Unemployed 60% 27% 13% Retired 67% 20% 13% Students 61% 29% 10% Left-Right scale (1-4) Left 61% 31% 8% (5-6) Centre 68% 23% 9% (7-10) Right 72% 20% 8% Self-positioning on the social staircase Low (1-4) 60% 26% 14% Medium (5-6) 67% 24% 9% High (7-10) 72% 22% 6% 162

164 4.2. How do Europeans perceive the dilemma between economic growth and preserving the environment? As in the previous Eurobarometer (EB71, spring 2009), this survey attempted to measure how Europeans perceive the debate between economic growth and preserving the environment. To that end, the sample was divided into two equal groups in order to test two statements, with reversed causal effects 58. Respondents in the first sample, split A, were asked for their views on the statement economic growth must be a priority, even if it affects the environment. The second sample, split B, was asked to respond to the statement protecting the environment should be a priority, even if it affects economic growth. Although, as we have seen, Europeans rank the environment as their second priority, the results of this question highlight the importance of the environment for Europeans, an importance has increased since the previous Eurobarometer wave. When the question is worded to give priority to economic growth, European opinion is split down the middle. The proportion of respondents who do not want to prioritise economic growth to the detriment of the environment has increased significantly. Conversely, when the question is worded to give priority to the environment, seven out of ten Europeans agreed with the statement, irrespective of the consequences for economic growth, a proportion which is more or less unchanged since the previous wave. Split A: Economic growth must be a priority even if it affects the environment QD2a.2 (SPLIT A) To what extent do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements? - Economic growth must be a priority for (OUR COUNTRY), even if it affects the environment Total Agree Total Disagree DK EB72 Aut % 48% 5% EB71 Sp % 44% 6% 58 The split ballot method used in opinion polls. 163

165 48% of Europeans refuse to prioritise economic growth over the environment: 14% totally disagree and 34% tend to disagree, while 47% of respondents agree (13% totally agree and 34% tend to agree ) that priority should be given to economic growth and 5% expressed no opinion 59. The percentage of respondents who disagree with prioritising economic growth over the environment has increased by 4 points since the previous Eurobarometer wave in spring 2009, while the percentage in agreement has fallen by 3 points over the same period. As a result, the ratio has changed significantly over the period in question (from 50%/44%, +6 points to 47%/48%, -1 point), highlighting the increasing importance attached to environmental issues, or rather the reduced focus on economic growth at any cost. The index, that is to say the difference between the respondents who agree that economic growth should be prioritised over the environment and those who disagree, gives a complete overview of prevalent opinion by country. An analysis of this index reveals that the division of opinion at European level (index: - 1) conceals significant differences between countries: in thirteen Member States, a majority of respondents would not prioritise economic growth in their country if it harmed the environment. Opposition is the strongest in the Nordic countries, the Netherlands, Cyprus and Austria. In contrast, a majority of respondents take the opposite view in fourteen countries, in particular in Hungary, Ireland and Romania, where respondents are ready to make considerable concessions on the environment in order to boost their country s economy. The difference between the indices of the last two Eurobarometer waves also enables us to measure changes by country since spring 2009 (EB71). Since the previous wave, the majority opinion has changed in four countries. In the current survey Luxembourg (where the index has changed from -18 to +3) and Lithuania (where the index has gone from -2 to +12) have become countries where a majority of respondents are pro economic growth. Conversely, Latvia (where the index has gone from +15 to -6) and Slovenia (where the index has gone from +9 to -9) have joined the group of countries where a majority of respondents are pro environment. In the group of countries with a pro economic growth majority, it should be noted that except in Hungary (where the existing majority has increased - the index has passed from +35 to +44) the trend is downwards everywhere. The index has lost 17 points in Italy, 14 points in Ireland, 11 points in the United Kingdom, 9 points in Bulgaria, and 5 points in Poland and Romania. 59 QD2a2 To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement: economic growth must be a priority for (our country) even if it affects the environment? 164

166 In the group of countries with a pro environment majority, the size of the majority has increased in Sweden (the index has raised from -3 to -22), France (from -3 to -13), Cyprus (from -29 to -37), Denmark (from -22 to -28), the Netherlands (from -35 to -41) and Finland (from -38 to -43). However, the size of the majority of respondents refusing to prioritise growth over the environment has fallen significantly in the Czech Republic (the index has fallen from -16 to -3) and Greece (from -27 to -12). 165

167 QD2a.2 To what extent do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements? - "Economic growth must be a priority for (OUR COUNTRY), even if it affects the environment" (IF 'SPLIT A') COUNTRY EB71 Index 'total agree'- 'total disagree' EB72 Index 'total agree'- 'total disagree' Diff.Index EB72-EB71 EU Majority pro-economic growth HU IE RO SK PT PL IT LT BE UK BG ES MT LU Majority pro-environment CZ EE LV SI EL FR DE SE DK AT CY NL FI

168 An analysis of the results by socio-demographic and sociological criteria reveals that the higher the social and economic status of the respondents the more likely they are to prioritise the environment. Conversely, the most modest social categories are more likely to give priority to economic growth. Age also plays a role; the youngest respondents are more concerned to protect the environment than the oldest ones. Thus, the agreement/disagreement ratio for prioritising economic growth is 51%/42% among those aged 55 or over compared with 44%/50% among those in the 15 to 24 age group. It is 54%/38% among the least educated respondents compared with 40%/57% among those who studied until age 20 or beyond. It is 52%/44% among unemployed people but 34%/63% among managers. Finally, it is 52%/41% among people with financial difficulties compared with 45%/51% among those who do not have such difficulties. These figures demonstrate fairly clearly that concern for the environment now tends to be more characteristic of the intermediate and higher social categories of the European population. The majority opinion also varies with the respondent s position on the political spectrum: whereas a majority of respondents on the right of the political spectrum consider that economic growth should be a national priority even if it affects the environment (52% versus 44%), the opposite view is dominant among those on the left of the political spectrum (42% agree with the statement, compared with 55% who disagree). 167

169 QD2a.2 To what extent do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements? (SPLIT A) Economic growth must be a priority for (OUR COUNTRY), even if it affects the environment Total Agree Total Disagree DK EU27 47% 48% 5% Age % 50% 6% % 50% 3% % 51% 4% % 42% 7% Education (End of) 15-54% 38% 8% % 47% 4% % 57% 3% Still studying 41% 54% 5% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 46% 51% 3% Managers 34% 63% 3% Other white collars 46% 51% 3% Manual workers 49% 46% 5% House persons 50% 44% 6% Unemployed 52% 44% 4% Retired 51% 42% 7% Students 41% 54% 5% Left-Right scale (1-4) Left 42% 55% 3% (5-6) Centre 48% 48% 4% (7-10) Right 52% 44% 4% Difficulties paying bills Most of the time 52% 41% 7% From time to time 50% 45% 5% Almost never/ never 45% 51% 4% Self-positioning on the social staircase Low (1-4) 50% 44% 6% Medium (5-6) 47% 48% 5% High (7-10) 47% 50% 3% 168

170 Split B: Protecting the environment should be a priority, even if it affects economic growth Although opinions are evenly divided on prioritising economic growth over the environment, there is a broad consensus when it comes to putting the environment ahead of growth. QD2a.3 (SPLIT B) To what extent do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements? - Protecting the environment should be a priority for (OUR COUNTRY), even if it affects the economic growth Total Agree Total Disagree DK EB72 Aut % 24% 6% EB71 Sp % 24% 5% 70% of Europeans agree (24% totally agree and 46% tend to agree ) that protecting the environment should be a priority even if it affects economic growth, while 24% disagree (4% totally disagree and 20% tend to disagree ) and 6% expressed no opinion 60. The changes in comparison with the spring 2009 Eurobarometer wave are extremely limited: the percentage of respondents in agreement has fallen by one point, while that of respondents who disagree is unchanged and the level of DK answers has increased by one point. A majority of respondents in all EU countries agree that the environment should be prioritised over the environment. Support for this idea is the most decided in Denmark (87%), Sweden (84%), Cyprus (83%) and Greece (82%). While Dutch opinion massively rejects the idea of prioritising growth over the environment (70%), paradoxically it is also the country where respondents are the least in favour of giving the environment priority over growth, with a score of only 52% (versus 45%), considerably below the European average. This suggests that respondents in the Netherlands have a strong desire to reconcile growth and the environment, making them more likely than respondents elsewhere to prioritise either option. 60 QD2a3 To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement: protecting the environment should be a priority for (our country) even if it affects economic growth? 169

171 A socio-demographic analysis of the data reveals the same differences in strength of feeling on this question as those analysed in detail previously: the most educated and affluent respondents and those at the top of the social scale are more likely to prioritise the environment over economic growth than the average, or than the most modest categories and those with financial difficulties 170

172 5. MONEY AND FINANCIAL PRIORITIES - Europeans say they are ready to be less materialistic - 56% of Europeans think that placing less emphasis on money and material possessions would be a good thing, while 14% think that it would be a bad thing, 25% think that it would be neither good nor bad and 5% expressed no opinion 61. These opinions are effectively unchanged since the spring 2009 wave. QD3.1 If the following changes to our way of life were to happen in the near future, do you think it would be a good thing, a bad thing, or neither a good nor bad thing? - Less emphasis on money and material possessions A good thing A bad thing Neither good nor bad DK EB72 Aut % 14% 25% 5% EB71 Sp % 14% 24% 6% Support for a less materialistic society is the strongest in Ireland (69%), Finland (69%), Sweden (68%), Slovenia (68%), the Netherlands (67%), Spain (66%) and France (66%). Nevertheless, levels of support are considerably below the European average in central and eastern European countries, except in Slovenia (68%): Latvia (35%), Estonia (40%), Romania (42%), the Czech Republic (43%), Slovakia (45%), Bulgaria (46%), Lithuania (46%) and Poland (50%). Support for the idea is also low in Italy, at only 36%. 61 QD3.1 If the following changes to our way of life were to happen in the near future, do you think it would be a good thing, a bad thing or neither a good nor bad thing: less emphasis on money and material possessions? 171

173 A majority of respondents in all social categories consider that less materialism would be a good thing. Nevertheless, this idea is slightly more prevalent among the most educated and affluent respondents. In other words, those who have the most material possessions and money are the most likely to say that they should be of less importance. This view is shared by 59% of those who almost never have difficulties paying their bills and by 64% of those who studied until age 20 or beyond, compared with 51% of those who struggle to pay their bills most of the time and 53% of the least educated respondents. The same differences exist between managers (63%) on the one hand and manual workers (53%) and unemployed people (54%) on the other. 172

174 QD3.1 If the following changes to our way of life were to happen in the near future, do you think it would be a good thing, a bad thing, or neither a good nor bad thing? Less emphasis on money and material possessions A good thing A bad thing Neither good nor bad DK EU27 56% 14% 25% 5% Education (End of) 15-53% 14% 25% 8% % 15% 27% 5% % 12% 22% 2% Still studying 54% 13% 28% 5% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 57% 13% 25% 5% Managers 63% 12% 22% 3% Other white collars 53% 14% 29% 4% Manual workers 53% 15% 27% 5% House persons 55% 16% 22% 7% Unemployed 54% 16% 24% 6% Retired 57% 13% 24% 6% Students 54% 13% 28% 5% Left-Right scale (1-4) Left 60% 13% 24% 3% (5-6) Centre 57% 14% 25% 4% (7-10) Right 52% 17% 26% 5% Difficulties paying bills Most of the time 51% 15% 26% 8% From time to time 52% 16% 26% 6% Almost never/ never 59% 13% 24% 4% 173

175 6. TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION - Europeans want more emphasis on technological development - 70% of Europeans consider that it would be a good thing to place more emphasis on technological development, while 9% consider that it would be a bad thing, 17% believe that it would be neither good nor bad and 4% expressed no opinion 62. The proportion considering that it would be a good thing has increased by two points since spring QD3.2 If the following changes to our way of life were to happen in the near future, do you think it would be a good thing, a bad thing, or neither a good nor bad thing? - More emphasis on the development of technology A good thing A bad thing Neither good nor bad DK EB72 Aut % 9% 17% 4% EB71 Sp % 9% 18% 5% All European Union countries are agreed on the need to prioritise the development of technology, the highest scores being recorded in Denmark, Cyprus, Slovenia and Slovakia (81% in all four countries). Italy is the only country which really stands out on this question, with only 52% of respondents believing that it would be a good thing to place more emphasis on technological development, 15% considering that it would be a bad thing and 25% saying that it would be neither a good nor bad thing. 62 QD3.2 If the following changes to our way of life were to happen in the near future, do you think it would be a good thing, a bad thing or neither a good nor bad thing: more emphasis on the development of technology? 174

176 Men (74%), respondents who studied until age 20 or beyond (74%), managers (76%), and people who place themselves at the top of the social scale (74%) are far more likely than women (66%), the least educated respondents (64%), unemployed people (68%) and people who place themselves at the bottom of the social scale (65%) to want more emphasis on technological development in the future. 175

177 - Europeans tend to be positive about innovation - When asked to comment on a number of statements regarding innovative products and services, Europeans are far more likely to agree with positive than with negative statements 63. Innovation is thus seen as a condition for economic growth, a vital necessity for companies and a useful way of simplifying everyday life rather than as a gadget or risky for consumers. Thus, with 45% of mentions, the statement that innovation is essential for improving economic growth is the first choice of the Europeans interviewed, followed by a company which does not innovate is a company that will not survive (42%) and innovative products or services often simplify everyday life (34%). 28% consider that a company which sells an innovative product or service improves its image. A smaller proportion of respondents chose the negative statements on innovation: 19% of Europeans see innovative products and services as a matter of fashion, 15% as a gadget and 12% believe that purchasing an innovative product or service is risky for the consumer. 23% think that the advantages of innovative products or services are often exaggerated. The choices of Europeans on these different items clearly indicate that their perception of innovation is positive. Moreover, this positive image seems to have gained ground since the question was last asked in the Eurobarometer (EB 63.4, May 2005). 63 QF1 With which of the following statements do you agree? innovation is essential for improving economic growth/a company which does not innovate is a company that will not survive/innovative products or services often simplify everyday life/a company that sells an innovative product or service improves the image of all its products or services/the advantages of innovative products or services are often exaggerated/innovative products or services are a matter of fashion/innovative products or services are most of the time gadgets/purchasing an innovative product or service is risky for the consumer. 176

178 The percentage of respondents choosing negative items has fallen fairly sharply since that date. The percentage agreeing that innovative products are gadgets has fallen by 4 points, while the proportions saying that innovation is a matter of fashion and that its advantages are exaggerated have fallen by 8 and 7 points respectively. At the same time, the proportion of respondents considering that innovation is essential for economic growth has increased by 3 points. There are few national differences on these indicators and the statements that innovation is essential for economic growth and necessary for the survival of companies top the lists in the 27 EU countries. Respondents in Denmark (65%), Slovenia (61%), Finland (60%), Sweden (60%) and the Netherlands (59%) are the most likely to consider that innovation is essential for growth, while those in Finland (64%), France (55%), Denmark (54%), the Netherlands (52%), Luxembourg (49%), Hungary (49%), Germany, Slovakia and Sweden (48%) are the most likely to mention that a company which does not innovate cannot survive. 177

179 This rapid analysis therefore pinpoints a group of countries, composed of the Scandinavian countries, the Netherlands and, to a lesser extent, France, which are particularly alive to the economic necessity of innovation. A socio-demographic analysis reveals a number of differences by respondent category; however, these variations are more a matter of strength of feeling than a change in the order of the items on which there is most agreement: the statement that "innovation is essential for improving economic growth obtained the highest score in all of the categories cited, with just a few exceptions. QF1 With which of the following statements do you agree? (ROTATE MULTIPLE ANSWERS POSSIBLE) Innovation is essential for improving economic growth EU27 45% Sex Male 49% Female 41% Age % % % % Education (End of) 15-37% % % Still studying 48% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 51% Managers 61% Other white collars 49% Manual workers 42% House persons 36% Unemployed 42% Retired 41% Students 48% Difficulties paying bills Most of the time 36% From time to time 41% Almost never/ never 49% Self-positioning on the social staircase Low (1-4) 39% Medium (5-6) 46% High (7-10) 52% Men (49%) and active respondents (those aged between 25 and 54, 47%) are slightly more likely to consider that innovation is essential for economic growth than are women (41%), the youngest respondents (15-24, 44%) and the oldest respondents (55 or over, 43%). 178

180 There are clearer differences in accordance with the respondent s education and occupation: the most educated respondents (55%) and managers (61%) are more likely to believe that innovation is essential for growth than are the least educated respondents (37%), unemployed people and manual workers (both 42%) and house persons (36%). Finally, the respondents who almost never have difficulties paying their bills (49%) and those who place themselves at the top of the social scale (52%) are more positive about innovation than are those who generally struggle to make ends meet (36%) or who place themselves at the bottom of the scale (39%). 179

181 IV. PRIORITIES FOR THE FUTURE When Sweden took over the Presidency of the European Union, Fredrik Reinfeldt, the Swedish Prime Minister, described the second half of 2009 as a decisive moment in the European Union s history: it had, and has to manage the economic and financial crisis which has battered Europe, resulting in a collapse in growth and a dramatic increase in unemployment in some of its Member States; it had, and has to take up the challenges of climate change and help coordinate action world-wide. The Swedish Presidency of the European Union thus defined the economy and climate change, two issues which affect all European citizens, as the main challenges during the Swedish mandate. This crisis management and the fight against climate change have to be seen against a background of change and institutional renewal. At the European elections of June 2009, Europeans plotted the major lines of the Europe they would like to see during the next five years. Moreover, the European Commission s mandate expired on 31 October and on 27 November 2009 its President José Manuel Barroso announced the allocation of portfolios for the next Commission. The new European Commission was approved by the European Parliament on 9 February and took office on 10 February 2010 with a mandate which runs until 31 October Finally, the way in which the European institutions work and cooperate has been changed by the Treaty of Lisbon, which finally entered into force on 1 December 2009 after its ratification by Ireland (on 3 October 2009) and the Czech Republic a month later. This Standard Eurobarometer survey has examined the European Union s priorities for the future From 1 November 2009, the "Barroso I" Commission operated on a caretaker basis PRESS IPR DOC+PDF+V0//EN&language=EN 66 The questionnaire was drawn up using Mr Barroso s document as a reference: 180

182 1. THE EUROPEAN UNION S MAIN PRIORITIES FOR THE COMING YEARS - Economic recovery is the main priority for the European Union in the coming years - The priorities fixed at the highest institutional level of the European Union 67 seem to coincide with the demands of European public opinion which, alongside action to tackle economic and environmental issues, also included the European Union s international role in helping to create stability in the world among the top priorities. Economic recovery is undeniably the number one priority on which the European Union should focus in the coming years. In the European Union as a whole, seven out of ten citizens (69%) want this issue to be at the top of the Union s agenda. Economic and environmental issues are unfailingly linked. The order of priorities established by the public reflects a growing awareness of this, since the second and third priorities, with similar scores, are fighting climate change (44%) and boosting growth in a sustainable way (45%). Europeans also attach considerable importance to the role that the European Union should play internationally to help to create stability in the world: 40% consider that it should be one of the Union s main priorities in the coming years. Finally, almost three out of ten respondents (28%) believe that improving citizens rights is an issue which needs to be tackled urgently by the European Union. 67 QG1 Among the following, what do you think should be the top priorities of the European Union for the years to come? 181

183 Economic recovery carried the day almost everywhere in Europe as the main priority on which the European Union should focus, even if the intensity with which citizens feel the need for urgent action in this area varies slightly from one country to another and seems to be linked to the severity with which the crisis has affected the various national economies: it was mentioned by almost nine out of ten respondents in Greece (86%), Cyprus (86%) and Ireland (85%), and by just over eight out of ten respondents in Latvia (81%). The scores recorded for economic recovery were also very high in the other two Baltic States, Lithuania and Estonia (80% and 74% respectively), and in Bulgaria (80%), the Czech Republic (77%), Hungary (78%), Romania and Germany (76% in both cases). Similarly, approximately three-quarters of respondents in Slovenia (75%), Spain (74%), the Netherlands (73%), Belgium (73%) and Slovakia (72%) mentioned economic recovery as a priority issue on which the European Union should focus in the coming years. 182

184 Probably reflecting a relatively less gloomy climate of opinion, the economic recovery was mentioned slightly less often by respondents in Malta (69%), Finland (68%), Denmark (68%), Austria (67%), Italy (67%), France (64%), Sweden (63%, where it was in second place, after fighting climate change), Luxembourg and Portugal (63% and 61% respectively). Finally, economic recovery recorded its lowest scores in the United Kingdom and Poland (both 60%); nevertheless, in both countries it remained the number one priority to be tackled by the European Union. Respondents in northern Europe attach particular importance to fighting climate change: in Sweden the need for urgent environmental action is the top priority, with a score of 70%. A similar score was recorded in Denmark (67%, just behind economic recovery however). The issue is a priority for approximately six out of ten interviewees in Cyprus and Austria (both 62%), as well as in Germany (57%), Slovenia (57%) and Finland (58%). Half or almost half of interviewees mentioned this issue as a priority in the Netherlands (51%), Malta (50%), Luxembourg (50%), France (49%), Belgium (48%) and Greece (47%). 183

185 It is nevertheless comparatively less urgent for respondents in the Member States which have joined the European Union since 2004: thus the lowest scores were obtained in Latvia (15%), Estonia (24%), Poland (25%), Lithuania (26%), the Czech Republic (29%), Romania (32%) and Slovakia (33%). Boosting growth in a sustainable way obtained its highest score in Estonia (60%). It was also mentioned as a priority for action by more than half of respondents in Denmark (56%), Hungary (55%), Finland (55%), France (54%), Sweden (53%) and Ireland (51%), and by half of interviewees in Bulgaria (50%). Support for European action to help to create stability in the world is the strongest in Denmark (61%), the Netherlands (54%), Sweden (53%), Austria (49%), Finland (48%), Ireland (47%), Estonia (47%), the Czech Republic (47%) and Malta (47%). Finally, the highest score for improving citizens rights was recorded in Cyprus (48%) and this issue is seen as a priority by almost four out of ten respondents in Malta (39%) and the Czech Republic (37%). 184

186 QG1 Among the following, what do you think should be the top priorities of the European Union for the years to come? (ROTATE MAX. 3 ANSWERS) Economic recovery Boosting growth in a sustainable way The fight against climate change Helping to create Advancing on stability in the World rights of citizens DK EU27 69% 45% 44% 40% 28% 3% BE 73% 42% 48% 35% 27% 1% BG 80% 50% 35% 41% 29% 4% CZ 77% 39% 29% 47% 37% 1% DK 68% 56% 67% 61% 19% 1% DE 76% 47% 57% 44% 17% 2% EE 74% 60% 24% 47% 28% 3% IE 85% 51% 38% 47% 25% 5% EL 86% 38% 47% 37% 30% 1% ES 74% 40% 42% 33% 28% 1% FR 64% 54% 49% 41% 42% 2% IT 67% 45% 40% 32% 31% 2% CY 86% 21% 62% 44% 48% 0% LV 81% 43% 15% 41% 22% 2% LT 80% 32% 26% 35% 23% 5% LU 63% 39% 50% 46% 36% 1% HU 78% 55% 41% 32% 16% 1% MT 69% 22% 50% 47% 39% 4% NL 73% 48% 51% 54% 30% 1% AT 67% 38% 62% 49% 32% 1% PL 60% 43% 25% 30% 21% 7% PT 61% 33% 30% 43% 32% 4% RO 76% 36% 32% 40% 35% 7% SI 75% 38% 57% 39% 28% 1% SK 72% 49% 33% 42% 34% 1% FI 68% 55% 58% 48% 29% 1% SE 63% 53% 70% 53% 31% 1% UK 60% 44% 40% 45% 24% 7% * In bold, the highest results per country; in italics the lowest results per country; the grey rectangle shows the highest results per value; the rectangle with black borders shows the lowest results per value. 185

187 From a socio-demographic point of view, the answers are fairly similar across categories for economic recovery and boosting sustainable growth: respondents in all categories agree fairly emphatically that economic recovery should be the European Commission s top priority. There are, however, some differences depending on how respondents perceive the state of their national economy: the respondents who consider that it is good are slightly less likely to make economic recovery one of their top priorities (62%, compared with 72% for those who consider that the national economic situation is poor). On the other hand, it is interesting to note the differing degree of intensity between the various segments as regards action on climate change. The variables which give rise to the most perceptible divergences are those related to the respondent s occupation and level of education, as well as political leanings and social situation (difficulty paying bills). The way in which respondents perceive their country s situation and, ultimately, their trust in the European Union, also seem to play a role. The respondents who have studied the longest, who have a more comfortable socio-professional situation, who are more upbeat about the economic situation or who have greater trust in the European Union are the most likely to consider that the European institutions should prioritise the fight against climate change. 186

188 QG1 Among the following, what do you think should be the top priorities of the European Union for the years to come? (ROTATION - MAX. 3 ANSWERS) Economic recovery The fight against climate change EU27 69% 44% Sex Male 70% 44% Female 69% 44% Age % 45% % 43% % 46% % 43% Education (End of) 15-69% 39% % 43% % 48% Still studying 65% 49% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 71% 43% Managers 68% 51% Other white collars 71% 47% Manual workers 71% 44% House persons 70% 41% Unemployed 71% 39% Retired 69% 41% Students 65% 49% Left-Right scale (1-4) Left 66% 50% (5-6) Centre 71% 44% (7-10) Right 71% 42% Difficulties paying bills Most of the time 72% 37% From time to time 70% 40% Almost never/ never 69% 47% Self-positioning on the social staircase Low (1-4) 69% 39% Medium (5-6) 72% 45% High (7-10) 67% 48% Situation of national economy Good 62% 50% Bad 72% 42% Trust in EU Tend to trust 71% 47% Tend not to trust 68% 42% The answers to this first question reveal the priority areas on which Europeans want the European Union to focus in the coming years. The next questions will enable us to assess public opinion as regards the means which the European Union should prioritise in order to achieve these objectives. We will therefore analyse the priorities determined by citizens for: - ensuring economic recovery; - fighting climate change; - boosting growth in a sustainable way; - helping to create stability in the world; - improving citizens rights. 187

189 2. THE PRIORITIES FOR ENSURING ECONOMIC RECOVERY - Closer supervision of financial markets is the number one priority of Europeans in order to ensure economic recovery - A relative majority of Europeans consider that the best way of ensuring economic recovery is to put in place a stronger European system for the supervision of financial markets and financial institutions (40%) 68. Along the same lines, more than a third of the people interviewed (31%) say that priority should be given to developing further economic policy coordination at European level. But a period of crisis brings major challenges to public finances. Good budgetary discipline is therefore a prerequisite for healthy economic growth. Putting public finances back on a sounder footing after the impact of the crisis 69 is therefore a key issue for the Member States. A third of the people interviewed (34%) consider that it is necessary to limit public deficits in the future in order to ensure economic recovery. A slightly higher proportion of Europeans (35%) consider that priority should be given to improving the quality of education in order to support economic recovery, while one in five (22%) mentioned access to corporate lending. 68 QG2 In order to ensure economic recovery, which of the following aspects should be prioritised in the European Union? 69 According to Eurostat, in 2008, the highest public deficits, in relation to GDP, were those of Greece (-7.7%), Ireland (-7.2%), Romania (-5.5%), the United Kingdom (-5.0%), Malta (-4.7%), Spain (-4.1%), Latvia (- 4.1%), Hungary (-3.8%), Poland (-3.6%), France (-3.4%) and Lithuania (-3.2%) : By way of illustration, the European Commission s forecasts published on 3 November 2009 anticipate a public deficit in 2009 of -13% in Greece, -12% in the United Kingdom and -11% in Spain: 188

190 An analysis by country reveals differences in the way in which Europeans perceive the aspects which are essential in order to move on from the crisis and ensure economic recovery. Putting in place a stronger European system for the supervision of financial markets and financial institutions was mainly mentioned as a priority in the Netherlands, (59%), Slovenia (53%), Germany (50%), Sweden (50%), Ireland (50%), Estonia and Belgium (49%), and in Austria and Bulgaria (48% in both cases). More than half of the people interviewed in Greece (51%) and almost half of respondents in France (47%) want the European Union to give priority to limiting public deficits. This aspect was also mentioned, though less frequently, by more than four out of ten respondents in Malta (43%), and in Sweden, Hungary and the Czech Republic (all 42%). On the other hand, less than one in five respondents mentioned this aspect in Bulgaria (19%) and barely 16% in Romania mentioned a balanced budget as a priority. The highest scores for greater coordination of economic policies at European level were recorded in Cyprus (52%), Bulgaria (48%), Finland (46%) and Hungary (46%). However, respondents in the United Kingdom (22%), Malta and Poland (both 23%), Estonia (24%), Sweden (25%) and Denmark (25%) attach the least priority to this aspect. Respondents in Cyprus (61%), Denmark (55%), Greece (47%) Portugal (46%) are the most likely to believe that economic recovery needs greater investment in education, while in Bulgaria (24%), Lithuania (24%), Slovenia (25%) and Poland (26%) improving the quality of education is seen as less important for economic recovery. 189

191 Finally, respondents in Spain (34%), Italy (32%) and Denmark (31%) are the most likely to mention access to corporate lending as being an essential element in order to overcome the crisis and ensure economic recovery. QG2 In order to ensure economic recovery, which of the following aspects should be prioritised in the European Union? (ROTATE MAX. 2 ANSWERS) Put in place a stronger European system of supervision of financial markets and financial institutions Improve quality of education Limit excessive public deficits in the future Develop further economic policy coordination at the European level Facilitate companies' access to credit EU27 40% 35% 34% 31% 22% 7% DK BE 49% 29% 40% 29% 23% 2% BG 48% 24% 19% 48% 22% 10% CZ 44% 30% 42% 35% 13% 4% DK 38% 55% 29% 25% 31% 4% DE 50% 43% 41% 28% 15% 2% EE 49% 35% 29% 24% 20% 9% IE 50% 29% 29% 38% 25% 9% EL 29% 47% 51% 35% 17% 2% ES 34% 36% 26% 29% 34% 6% FR 41% 30% 47% 35% 21% 5% IT 30% 30% 37% 31% 32% 5% CY 38% 61% 29% 52% 5% 4% LV 41% 29% 23% 38% 23% 6% LT 42% 24% 26% 36% 24% 8% LU 45% 42% 28% 32% 19% 2% HU 38% 29% 42% 46% 16% 2% MT 40% 32% 43% 23% 13% 10% NL 59% 38% 33% 35% 18% 3% AT 48% 39% 37% 39% 19% 2% PL 32% 26% 27% 23% 25% 12% PT 31% 46% 26% 31% 19% 9% RO 40% 33% 16% 35% 22% 15% SI 53% 25% 31% 31% 24% 3% SK 50% 26% 38% 34% 18% 3% FI 41% 35% 23% 46% 19% 5% SE 50% 34% 42% 25% 16% 7% UK 36% 37% 28% 22% 17% 16% * In bold, the highest results per country; in italics the lowest results per country; the grey rectangle shows the highest results per value; the rectangle with black borders shows the lowest results per value. 190

192 An analysis based on the socio-demographic profile and attitudes of respondents is interesting in that it reveals that: - Europeans who studied until the age of 20 or beyond are the most likely to mention putting in place a European system for supervising markets and increased coordination of economic policies at European Union level as priorities. Managers are also more likely than the other occupational categories to mention these aspects. - From the point of view of political leanings and attitudes, these two aspects were the most frequently mentioned as a priority by respondents on the left of the political spectrum and by those who are the most positive about the European Union in terms of trust, image and the benefits of membership. - The youngest respondents (aged between 15 and 24), students and those who studied the longest are the most likely to mention improving the quality of education. - Finally, while managers and Europeans on the right of the political spectrum are the most likely to call for rigorous control of public spending, self-employed people are the most likely to opt for facilitating access to corporate lending. 191

193 QG2 In order to ensure economic recovery, which of the following aspects should be prioritised in the European Union? (ROTATE MAX. 2 ANSWERS) Put in place a stronger European system of supervision of financial markets and financial institutions Improve quality of education Limit excessive public deficits in the future Develop further economic policy coordination at the European level Facilitate companies' access to credit DK EU27 40% 35% 34% 31% 22% 7% Sex Male 41% 34% 35% 32% 24% 5% Female 38% 35% 34% 29% 21% 8% Age % 42% 30% 29% 20% 8% % 34% 36% 33% 22% 5% % 32% 35% 32% 23% 6% % 34% 34% 29% 23% 9% Education (End of) 15-35% 33% 35% 26% 25% 10% % 32% 35% 31% 23% 6% % 35% 35% 33% 21% 4% Still studying 34% 45% 30% 32% 19% 8% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 39% 33% 32% 33% 28% 5% Managers 47% 34% 40% 35% 22% 2% Other white collars 44% 32% 37% 33% 22% 3% Manual workers 43% 33% 36% 29% 22% 7% House persons 35% 35% 33% 29% 26% 8% Unemployed 34% 33% 32% 31% 22% 9% Retired 39% 34% 33% 29% 21% 10% Students 34% 45% 30% 32% 19% 8% Left-Right scale (1-4) Left 44% 37% 35% 32% 22% 4% (5-6) Centre 42% 36% 36% 31% 22% 6% (7-10) Right 39% 32% 37% 31% 24% 6% Difficulties paying bills Most of the time 35% 34% 36% 26% 24% 9% From time to time 39% 32% 34% 32% 24% 7% Almost never 42% 36% 35% 30% 21% 6% Trust in EU Tend to trust 43% 33% 34% 37% 23% 4% Tend not to trust 39% 36% 37% 25% 22% 7% Membership EU A good thing 43% 36% 34% 35% 23% 4% A bad thing 36% 35% 38% 23% 23% 8% Neither good nor bad 38% 33% 35% 27% 21% 9% Benef. EU member. Benefited 42% 35% 34% 35% 23% 4% Not benefited 39% 35% 37% 26% 21% 7% Image of EU Positive 43% 35% 34% 36% 23% 4% Neutral 38% 34% 35% 27% 21% 8% Negative 37% 34% 37% 24% 22% 9% 192

194 3. THE PRIORITIES FOR COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE - The fight against climate change requires political and economic action, along with measures to secure energy supplies - The Eurobarometer confirms that the public is generally aware of global warming and considers that tackling climate change should be one of the European Union s three main priorities in the coming years. Almost a year ago, the European Union adopted a series of proposals regarding energy and climate change setting exacting targets for , with the aim of putting Europe on the road to a sustainable future based on a low-carbon economy consuming less energy. European citizens consider that the fight against climate change should be based mainly on developing environmentally-friendly industries, services and technologies (44%) and reducing CO 2 emissions from transport and electricity (36%) 71. A third of respondents believe that it is essential to integrate the fight against climate change in all European Union policies, whether in industry, agriculture or transport, while one in four Europeans similarly mentioned developing clean cars. One in five Europeans mentioned securing energy supplies and one in ten cited developing the use of nuclear energy. 70 These targets are as follows: reducing greenhouse gas effects by 20% (30% if there is an international agreement); reducing energy consumption by 20% thanks to increased energy efficiency; 20% of our energy needs to come from renewable energies QG3 In order to fight climate change, which of the following should be prioritised in the European Union? 193

195 Respondents in Cyprus (62%), the Netherlands (59%), Estonia (57%), Germany (56%), Latvia and France (50% in both cases) are the staunchest supporters of developing environmentally-friendly industries, services and technologies. This aspect was listed as the top priority in 21 of the 27 Member States. Reducing CO 2 emissions from transport and electricity is seen as a priority by almost seven out of ten respondents in Cyprus (67%) and six out of ten in Malta (60%). Almost half of respondents in Greece (46%), Romania (46%), Slovenia (45%), Denmark (45%) and Ireland (45%) also consider that this issue needs urgent action. Respondents in Slovenia (42%), Finland (42%) and France (41%) are the most likely to consider that priority should be given to integrating the fight against climate change in all European Union policies, such as industry, agriculture and transport. Respondents in Denmark are the most likely to consider that the European Union should give priority to developing clean cars to combat climate change (36%). Just over three out of ten respondents share this opinion in Austria (33%), Cyprus (32%), Estonia, Greece and France (31%). Respondents in Malta and Poland (19%), the United Kingdom (17%) and Hungary (16%) are the least likely to support this solution. Securing energy supplies is a key requirement for more than a third of respondents in Hungary (34%) and a slightly smaller proportion in Austria (30%), Lithuania (29%) and Ireland (28%). This view is shared by approximately one in four respondents in Slovakia, Denmark and Malta (all 26%). Finally, more than one in ten respondents mentioned developing the use of nuclear energy as a means of combating climate change in the United Kingdom (17%), Slovakia (16%), Sweden (15%), Finland (15%), the Czech Republic (14%), Estonia (13%), Poland (13%), Belgium (12%), Lithuania (12%), Italy (11%), the Netherlands (11%) and Hungary (11%). 194

196 QG3 In order to fight climate change, which of the following aspects should be prioritised in the European Union? (ROTATE MAX. 2 ANSWERS) Develop environmentallyfriendly industries, services and technologies Reduce CO2 (carbondioxide) emissions from transport and electricity Take into account the fight against climate change in all EU policies such as in industry, agriculture or transport Develop clean cars Secure energy supply Develop the use of nuclear energy EU27 44% 36% 33% 25% 20% 10% 6% DK BE 47% 33% 33% 26% 22% 12% 2% BG 39% 43% 28% 29% 21% 5% 10% CZ 44% 38% 30% 23% 22% 14% 2% DK 42% 45% 32% 36% 26% 9% 2% DE 56% 26% 39% 27% 23% 9% 3% EE 57% 23% 20% 31% 19% 13% 8% IE 34% 45% 30% 24% 28% 8% 11% EL 44% 46% 38% 31% 17% 6% 1% ES 44% 39% 30% 27% 17% 6% 6% FR 50% 34% 41% 31% 15% 7% 4% IT 42% 38% 36% 26% 17% 11% 3% CY 62% 67% 24% 32% 7% 2% 2% LV 50% 32% 27% 22% 10% 8% 8% LT 40% 32% 20% 20% 29% 12% 8% LU 44% 42% 37% 29% 11% 7% 1% HU 45% 33% 38% 16% 34% 11% 2% MT 41% 60% 22% 19% 26% 4% 6% NL 59% 35% 36% 25% 16% 11% 2% AT 44% 33% 38% 33% 30% 7% 2% PL 36% 38% 22% 19% 18% 13% 11% PT 37% 35% 21% 23% 23% 6% 13% RO 33% 46% 29% 26% 12% 7% 14% SI 47% 45% 42% 20% 21% 7% 1% SK 35% 34% 36% 25% 26% 16% 4% FI 49% 26% 42% 23% 22% 15% 2% SE 47% 40% 39% 26% 13% 15% 4% UK 35% 37% 26% 17% 24% 17% 11% * In bold, the highest results per country; in italics the lowest results per country; the grey rectangle shows the highest results per value; the rectangle with black borders shows the lowest results per value. 195

197 A socio-demographic analysis of the answers highlights the following elements: - Respondents who studied until the age of 20 or beyond and managers are the most likely to consider the development of environmentally-friendly industries, services and technologies as a priority in the fight against climate change. These two categories also have a more exacting vision of the need to protect the environment and ensure sustainable development, expressing support for the idea that the European Union should integrate the climate change component in all its policy planning. This is also true of respondents who trust the European Union. - For their part, students seem more receptive than Europeans as a whole to the suggestion that emissions should be reduced in the two sectors which are the most harmful, namely transport and electricity. They are, consequently, more likely than average to favour the development of clean cars. - Pensioners and respondents who left school the age of 15 or earlier are more likely to mention securing energy supplies, while Europeans on the right of the political spectrum are more likely to mention developing the use of nuclear energy as a priority for the European Union in its policy to combat climate change. 196

198 QG3 In order to fight climate change, which of the following aspects should be prioritised in the European Union? (ROTATE MAX. 2 ANSWERS) Develop environmentallyfriendly industries, services and technologies Reduce CO2 (carbondioxide) emissions from transport and electricity Take into account the fight against climate change in all EU policies such as in industry, agriculture or transport Develop clean cars Secure energy supply Develop the use of nuclear energy DK EU27 44% 36% 33% 25% 20% 10% 6% Sex Male 45% 36% 34% 25% 19% 13% 5% Female 44% 36% 33% 25% 20% 8% 7% Age % 41% 31% 27% 18% 10% 6% % 38% 35% 25% 19% 11% 4% % 36% 36% 26% 19% 10% 4% % 32% 31% 24% 22% 11% 8% Education (End of) 15-38% 32% 29% 27% 23% 9% 9% % 36% 33% 25% 20% 11% 6% % 37% 38% 24% 17% 12% 2% Still studying 47% 43% 32% 28% 15% 9% 5% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 43% 36% 34% 24% 19% 13% 4% Managers 51% 35% 42% 24% 18% 12% 2% Other white collars 48% 37% 35% 23% 19% 11% 3% Manual workers 44% 38% 34% 25% 20% 9% 6% House persons 40% 33% 31% 31% 22% 9% 7% Unemployed 42% 37% 30% 25% 19% 8% 7% Retired 42% 32% 30% 24% 23% 11% 8% Students 47% 43% 32% 28% 15% 9% 5% Left-Right scale (1-4) Left 49% 36% 37% 25% 19% 9% 3% (5-6) Centre 46% 36% 33% 26% 21% 10% 4% (7-10) Right 41% 34% 32% 25% 21% 15% 5% Trust in EU Tend to trust 46% 38% 37% 24% 19% 11% 3% Tend not to trust 43% 34% 31% 26% 21% 11% 6% 197

199 4. THE PRIORITIES FOR BOOSTING GROWTH IN A SUSTAINABLE WAY - Economic growth and actions in favour of the environment are not necessarily mutually exclusive - The financial and economic crisis showed that sustainable development is also an essential aspect for financial systems and the economy as a whole 72. In addition, the Eurobarometer results show that European citizens agree on the need to achieve growth that is compatible over the long-term with protecting the environment and social wellbeing. The results of this survey show that European citizens believe that such sustainable growth should be based on three main pillars: stimulating research and innovation in European industry (31%), producing environmentally-friendly goods and services (30%) and supporting agriculture (27%) 73. But citizens are also banking on creativity and entrepreneurship: thus, one in four (25%) mentioned encouraging people to create their own business as a priority for sustainable growth, and approximately a fifth of respondents said that they want new ideas and creativity to be rewarded (19%). One in five respondents mentioned strengthening consumer rights (19%) and a similar proportion cited controlling migratory flows to respond to the needs of the European economy. Europeans also, though less frequently, mentioned investing in new information and communication technologies (16%), rationalising public services (15%) and modernising them (14%). Finally, fewer than one in ten respondents mentioned facilitating the integration of legal migrants (7%) and improving access to highspeed Internet (4%) as key ways of boosting sustainable economic growth. 72 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions review of the European Union strategy for sustainable development : 73 QG4 In order to boost growth in a sustainable way, which of the following aspects should be prioritised in the European Union? 198

200 Respondents in central and northern European Union Member States are the most likely to believe that it is essential to stimulate research and innovation in industry in order to boost growth in a sustainable way. In these countries, moreover, citizens seem to associate this aspect with supporting the environmentally-friendly production of goods and services, since similar scores were recorded for these two aspects. This was the case in Sweden (48% for the first item and 47% for the second), the Netherlands (46% for both items), Denmark (43% and 46% respectively) and Germany (42% and 39% respectively). There is also a difference between the euro zone States and the States which have not adopted the single currency, with the former being more likely to want to give priority to research and innovation in industry in the European Union to boost growth in a sustainable way (34% versus 26% for non-euro zone countries). Advocates of giving priority to supporting agriculture to ensure sustainable growth tend to come from the Member States which joined the European Union during the last two enlargements, in 2004 and Thus, supporting agriculture was the most frequently mentioned item in Romania (56%), Hungary (51%), Estonia (48%), the Czech Republic (47%), Bulgaria (46%), Latvia (46%) and Slovenia (40%). It was also mentioned by four out of ten interviewees in Lithuania (40%), Cyprus and Portugal (39% in both cases), where this policy is supported by a relative majority of respondents. Respondents in the Baltic States seem to attach special importance to entrepreneurship and are more likely than their fellow Europeans to believe that encouraging people to create their own enterprise should be given priority as a means of boosting growth in a sustainable way: this was mentioned by 48% of the interviewees in Lithuania, where it was the most frequently mentioned item, as well as in Latvia and Estonia with similar results (42% and 41% respectively). 199

201 It is also perceived as a fundamental factor in the Czech Republic (34%), Greece and Ireland (32% in both cases) and Poland (31%), where it was mentioned by more than three out of ten respondents. Respondents in Denmark (39%) and, to a lesser extent, in Sweden (29%), Slovenia (25%) and Finland (25%) are the most likely to be convinced of the importance of rewarding creation and new ideas, while the highest score for strengthening consumer rights was obtained in Malta (33%). Finally, the highest scores for controlling migratory flows to meet the needs of the economy were recorded in Austria and Denmark (30% in both cases). 200

202 QG4 In order to boost growth in a sustainable way, which of the following aspects should be prioritised in the European Union? (ROTATE MAX. 3 ANSWERS) Stimulate research and innovation in the European industry Support environment ally-friendly production of goods and services Support agriculture Encourage people to create their own enterprises Control migratory flux to respond to European economy needs Reinforce the rights of consumers Reward new ideas and creation Invest in the new information and communication technologies (ICT) Rationalise public services Modernise the service sector Facilitate the integration of legal migrants Improve access to highspeed Internet EU27 31% 30% 27% 25% 19% 19% 19% 16% 15% 14% 7% 4% 7% DK BE 31% 31% 31% 23% 27% 25% 18% 13% 11% 11% 5% 5% 3% BG 40% 35% 46% 23% 9% 24% 14% 18% 7% 10% 5% 3% 9% CZ 24% 33% 47% 34% 21% 20% 14% 14% 10% 14% 4% 4% 3% DK 43% 46% 9% 16% 30% 16% 39% 17% 12% 14% 18% 3% 4% DE 42% 39% 19% 24% 19% 24% 22% 14% 12% 12% 6% 3% 6% EE 32% 27% 48% 41% 7% 18% 18% 17% 7% 7% 2% 3% 8% IE 37% 26% 29% 32% 15% 21% 20% 14% 22% 15% 5% 9% 12% EL 20% 37% 33% 32% 22% 21% 22% 12% 27% 19% 7% 2% 2% ES 30% 29% 23% 27% 17% 17% 17% 19% 11% 12% 8% 2% 6% FR 38% 30% 35% 30% 19% 31% 22% 15% 12% 10% 8% 3% 4% IT 27% 24% 20% 22% 22% 19% 21% 20% 18% 23% 7% 5% 5% CY 30% 68% 39% 18% 21% 25% 7% 12% 12% 19% 4% 7% 4% LV 25% 23% 46% 42% 11% 10% 14% 15% 16% 9% 3% 1% 6% LT 30% 19% 40% 48% 9% 20% 12% 18% 5% 11% 6% 2% 5% LU 38% 33% 27% 30% 15% 16% 17% 15% 12% 10% 13% 2% 3% HU 30% 31% 51% 23% 15% 20% 20% 13% 19% 17% 4% 4% 2% MT 33% 16% 16% 23% 19% 33% 13% 13% 9% 17% 11% 3% 14% NL 46% 46% 19% 12% 22% 16% 23% 21% 14% 11% 5% 4% 4% AT 23% 40% 33% 26% 30% 24% 24% 11% 20% 18% 11% 7% 2% PL 17% 18% 29% 31% 5% 10% 17% 18% 31% 13% 5% 5% 11% PT 22% 27% 39% 22% 12% 19% 14% 12% 13% 22% 6% 3% 7% RO 32% 23% 56% 28% 8% 16% 9% 9% 11% 21% 5% 3% 12% SI 35% 32% 40% 28% 11% 17% 25% 16% 19% 9% 3% 3% 2% SK 25% 31% 34% 28% 19% 15% 21% 21% 14% 17% 4% 5% 4% FI 35% 31% 24% 26% 18% 10% 25% 13% 24% 12% 12% 4% 5% SE 48% 47% 16% 29% 8% 10% 29% 12% 11% 6% 12% 4% 8% UK 21% 26% 20% 19% 29% 14% 15% 16% 13% 8% 9% 4% 17% * In bold, the highest results per country; in italics the lowest results per country; the grey rectangle shows the highest results per value; the rectangle with black borders shows the lowest results per value. 201

203 Certain socio-demographic characteristics, opinions and attitudes regarding the European Union shape the answers, and an analysis of the most frequently mentioned aspects reveals that: - Europeans who studied until the age of 20 or beyond, managers, those on the left of the political spectrum and those who trust the European Union and are positive about the benefits of their county s membership are far more likely to mention research and innovation and supporting the environmentallyfriendly production of goods and services. - Europeans living in rural areas are more likely to mention supporting agriculture. Finally, respondents on the right of the political spectrum are more likely to consider that encouraging entrepreneurship is the key to sustainable growth. QG4 In order to boost growth in a sustainable way, which of the following aspects should be prioritised in the European Union? (ROTATE MAX. 3 ANSWERS) Stimulate research and innovation in the European industry Support environmentallyfriendly production of goods and services Support agriculture Encourage people to create their own enterprises DK EU27 31% 30% 27% 25% 7% Sex Male 35% 31% 25% 25% 5% Female 28% 29% 29% 25% 9% Age % 31% 23% 23% 10% % 29% 25% 28% 6% % 34% 28% 26% 5% % 28% 30% 24% 9% Education (End of) 15-23% 24% 31% 26% 10% % 30% 29% 26% 6% % 36% 23% 25% 4% Still studying 34% 32% 22% 21% 9% Subjective urbanisation Rural village 29% 28% 34% 25% 8% Small/ mid size town 33% 31% 26% 25% 7% Large town 31% 32% 22% 26% 7% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 30% 33% 25% 28% 4% Managers 47% 38% 21% 25% 3% Other white collars 33% 32% 24% 25% 4% Manual workers 29% 31% 29% 26% 7% House persons 24% 28% 30% 29% 8% Unemployed 24% 26% 28% 28% 8% Retired 29% 27% 31% 24% 10% Students 34% 32% 22% 21% 9% Left-Right scale (1-4) Left 36% 37% 24% 22% 5% (5-6) Centre 31% 31% 28% 27% 6% (7-10) Right 31% 26% 29% 28% 6% Trust in EU Tend to trust 37% 33% 28% 27% 4% Tend not to trust 27% 29% 27% 25% 7% Membership EU A good thing 38% 34% 24% 27% 5% A bad thing 23% 25% 31% 24% 7% Neither good nor bad 25% 28% 31% 24% 8% Benef. EU member. Benefited 36% 33% 25% 27% 5% Not benefited 25% 28% 31% 24% 7% 202

204 5. THE PRIORITIES FOR IMPROVING CITIZEN S RIGHTS - Europeans want better dialogue with their institutions to improve citizens rights - European citizenship carries rights which are guaranteed in the Treaties: the right to travel, live, work and study in the other Member States; civic and political rights and certain legal guarantees (such as consular protection by another Member State and the right to submit a complaint to the European Mediator). Since the concept of a citizens Europe officially replaced the older concept of a Europe of markets, the European Union has continued to develop and extend the rights of its citizens. The Treaty of Lisbon is a step forward in the protection of citizens rights. It confirms existing rights, and introduces new rights and new mechanisms for ensuring that they are fully respected within the European Union 74. Against the background of the introduction of the Union s new regulatory framework, we note that almost one in three Europeans consider that improving citizens rights should be one of the Union s priorities in the coming years. When asked about the aspects which the European Union should prioritise to improve this pillar 75, the most frequently mentioned aspect was enhancing the dialogue between the European Union s citizens and institutions (37%). This response seems to be in tune with the provisions of the Treaty of Lisbon, with its emphasis on democratic equality, participatory democracy (intended to improve dialogue with civil society) and the citizens initiative, which enables citizens to submit proposals to the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. The second most frequently mentioned way of improving citizens rights, with a similar score, was facilitating the mobility of young people within the European Union (34%). Respondents also take a long-term view and a third (31%) mentioned the need to respond to the challenges created by demographic ageing 76. More than a quarter of respondents (26%) say that the key to improving citizens rights lies in developing the European Union s capacity to prevent and react to natural disasters. An almost identical proportion (25%) of respondents mentioned strengthening the protection of the European Union s borders as a priority aspect QG5 In order to advance on rights of citizens, which of the following aspects should be prioritised in the European Union? 76 The Green Paper "Confronting demographic change, a new solidarity between the generations" (published in March 2005) revels that by 2030, there is likely to be a shortage in the European Union of almost 21 million (6.8%) people of working age. On the same date, approximately one in two active people (aged between 15 and 65) will have to look after an inactive person (65 or over): 203

205 In six European Union countries, a majority believe that the key to improving citizens rights in the European Union lies in improving the dialogue with the European institutions, particularly in the Netherlands, Sweden and France, where almost half of the respondents mentioned this aspect (49% in the first two cases and 47% in France). More than four out of ten respondents in Slovakia (44%), Germany (43%), Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Luxembourg and Malta (all 42%) also consider that this item is important. Moreover, facilitating the mobility of young people within the European Union is also seen as a fundamental aspect, especially by half of the interviewees in Hungary (51%) and Denmark (49%), and by a slightly smaller proportion of respondents in Bulgaria (47%), France (45%) and Italy (42%). In Finland, almost six out of ten respondents (56%) mentioned responding to the challenges created by demographic ageing as a fundamental element in any action intended to improve citizens rights. This aspect is also a priority, to a lesser but still significant extent, for almost four out of ten respondents in Slovakia (39%), Belgium (38%), Hungary (37%), Austria (37%), the Netherlands (36%), and Slovenia and the United Kingdom (36%). Relatively high scores were also recorded in the Czech Republic (34%), France (33%), Denmark (32%), Portugal and Sweden (31% and 30% respectively). The proportion of respondents who believe that priority should be given to developing the European Union s capacity to prevent and to react to natural disasters is higher than the European average in Austria and Ireland (37% and 36% respectively), and in particular in Cyprus, where 53% of the interviewees mentioned this item. 204

206 Moreover, in Cyprus, a similar proportion of respondents cited strengthening the protection of the European Union s borders as an essential aspect in improving citizens rights. This opinion is shared by a small majority of respondents in the United Kingdom (40%), Austria and Greece (42% and 41% respectively). Around one fifth of respondents in Romania (17%) and Ireland (15%) expressed no opinion on this question. QG5 In order to advance on rights of citizens, which of the following aspects should be prioritised in the European Union? (ROTATE MAX. 2 ANSWERS) Enhance dialogue between the EU citizens and the EU institutions Facilitate the mobility of young people within the EU Respond to the challenges created by the ageing of the population Develop the EU's capacity to prevent and to react to natural disasters Reinforce the protection of EU's borders DK EU27 37% 34% 31% 26% 25% 8% BE 42% 31% 38% 19% 32% 3% BG 36% 47% 23% 29% 24% 10% CZ 42% 38% 34% 31% 20% 2% DK 42% 49% 32% 17% 32% 5% DE 43% 31% 32% 30% 22% 7% EE 40% 36% 27% 18% 25% 11% IE 31% 36% 27% 36% 29% 15% EL 38% 35% 28% 32% 41% 2% ES 37% 35% 32% 25% 19% 8% FR 47% 45% 33% 20% 27% 5% IT 35% 42% 24% 30% 24% 5% CY 37% 36% 16% 53% 53% 1% LV 38% 29% 26% 16% 20% 11% LT 34% 34% 20% 25% 16% 14% LU 42% 35% 25% 24% 29% 2% HU 32% 51% 37% 33% 14% 4% MT 42% 34% 25% 18% 33% 11% NL 49% 34% 36% 14% 25% 6% AT 39% 26% 37% 37% 42% 2% PL 31% 34% 24% 27% 13% 15% PT 25% 24% 31% 34% 31% 12% RO 29% 34% 20% 32% 25% 17% SI 39% 34% 36% 28% 16% 4% SK 44% 35% 39% 28% 18% 3% FI 34% 24% 56% 27% 24% 5% SE 49% 39% 30% 22% 13% 9% UK 24% 19% 36% 16% 40% 14% * In bold, the highest results per country; in italics the lowest results per country; the grey rectangle shows the highest results per value; the rectangle with black borders shows the lowest results per value. 205

207 A socio-demographic analysis provides further insight and confirms certain trends already noted. - Improving the dialogue between EU citizens and the European institutions was the most frequently mentioned item in most socio-demographic categories, although it was mainly mentioned by interviewees aged between 25 and 39, those who had studied up to the age of 20 or beyond and managers. - Respondents aged between 15 and 24 and students stand out from the rest of the interviewees by the importance that they attach to facilitating the mobility of young people within the European Union as a way of improving citizens rights. - Responding to the challenges created by demographic ageing seems more important for the oldest respondents (55 or over), but this aspect was mentioned above all by managers, who are more conscious of this aspect than the other occupational categories. - Interviewees who left school at the age of 15 or earlier were the most likely to mention protecting the European Union s borders. - When we turn to the way in which attitudes to the European Union help to shape the answers to this question, we note that while those who are the most positive about the European Union believe that the key to improving citizens rights lies mainly in developing the dialogue with the European institutions, the most critical categories are more likely to prefer solutions promoting greater security, such as protecting the European Union s borders. 206

208 QG5 In order to advance on rights of citizens, which of the following aspects should be prioritised in the European Union? (ROTATE MAX. 2 ANSWERS) Enhance dialogue between the EU citizens and the EU institutions Facilitate the mobility of young people within the EU Respond to the challenges created by the ageing of the population Reinforce the protection of EU's borders Develop the EU's capacity to prevent and to react to natural disasters EU27 37% 34% 31% 25% 26% 8% Sex Male 39% 35% 31% 26% 24% 7% Female 35% 33% 30% 24% 27% 10% Age % 44% 27% 20% 24% 9% % 35% 30% 24% 26% 6% % 34% 31% 26% 26% 7% % 30% 32% 28% 26% 11% Education (End of) 15-29% 29% 30% 31% 26% 12% % 34% 30% 26% 27% 8% % 35% 34% 21% 23% 5% Still studying 38% 47% 27% 17% 24% 9% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 40% 36% 26% 27% 25% 5% Managers 47% 35% 39% 20% 22% 5% Other white collars 40% 34% 32% 25% 27% 5% Manual workers 38% 35% 29% 25% 27% 8% House persons 32% 34% 28% 29% 26% 10% Unemployed 36% 33% 29% 25% 24% 9% Retired 31% 29% 32% 29% 26% 11% Students 38% 47% 27% 17% 24% 9% Left-Right scale (1-4) Left 42% 36% 34% 23% 25% 5% (5-6) Centre 37% 34% 32% 27% 26% 7% (7-10) Right 37% 36% 31% 28% 25% 7% Difficulties paying bills Most of the time 34% 34% 29% 28% 26% 10% From time to time 35% 35% 31% 27% 27% 8% Almost never/ never 39% 34% 32% 24% 25% 8% Trust in EU Tend to trust 42% 38% 31% 23% 27% 5% Tend not to trust 33% 31% 32% 30% 25% 8% Membership EU A good thing 43% 38% 31% 21% 26% 6% A bad thing 27% 26% 34% 36% 25% 9% Neither good nor bad 33% 32% 29% 27% 26% 10% Benef. EU member. Benefited 42% 38% 32% 22% 26% 6% Not benefited 31% 30% 31% 33% 25% 8% Image of EU Positive 42% 39% 31% 22% 27% 5% Neutral 34% 32% 30% 26% 25% 10% Negative 29% 26% 33% 37% 22% 9% DK 207

209 6. THE PRIORITIES FOR HELPING TO CREATE STABILITY IN THE WORLD - Promoting human rights and peacekeeping are the main priorities for improving stability in the world - Strengthening the European Union s international influence is one of the fundamental strands of the Treaty of Lisbon 77, which brings together the European Union s foreign policy instruments for both the development and adoption of new policies. European citizens believe that achieving stability in the world entails giving priority to promoting and protecting human rights and a relative majority consider that this is an essential aspect (40%) 78. Next, with almost identical scores, came two security measures: participating in conflict resolution and peacekeeping and peace-building (36%) and combating the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (33%). A third of Europeans (33%) mentioned promoting the development of poor countries as being a key element in the European Union s policy to create stability in the world. Europeans seem less convinced about the importance of developing the European Union s relations with Eastern European countries such as Russia or Ukraine or with Mediterranean countries, and these items were mentioned by only 14% and 8% of the interviewees respectively QG6 In order to help create stability in the world, which of the following aspects should be prioritised by the European Union? 208

210 Promoting and protecting human rights was the most frequently mentioned item in 14 of the 27 Member States. This line of action was mentioned in particular by three out of four respondents in Cyprus (75%), almost six out of ten interviewees in Ireland (59%) and almost half of respondents in Luxembourg (55%) and Malta (54%). It was also cited by a majority of respondents in Austria (50%), Romania (48%), Finland (47%), Greece (46%), Spain (46%) and France (44%). Participating in conflict resolution, peacekeeping and peace-building is an essential aspect for respondents in the Netherlands (45%) and Slovenia (44%), but it was mentioned in particular by six out of ten interviewees in Cyprus. Countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction was cited by almost half of the respondents in Estonia (47%) and by slightly fewer in Hungary (45%) and Bulgaria (42%). A small majority of respondents in Germany (40%) also mentioned this item as a priority area for action (40%). 209

211 Interviewees in Denmark and, to a lesser extent, in Spain and Greece, are more likely than their fellow European citizens to believe that the European Union should prioritise the development of poor countries (48%, 45% and 41% respectively). Finally, developing the European Union s relations with Eastern countries or Mediterranean countries is seen as more important in States that share a border with or are located in the regions in question. Thus respondents in Latvia (30%), Slovakia (23%), Estonia (23%) and Lithuania (22%) prioritised relations with Russia and Ukraine, and those in Malta (23%) and Greece (15%) had the highest scores for relations with Mediterranean countries. 210

212 Opinions on priority actions to help create stability in the world vary only slightly by socio-demographic characteristics, and even attitudes to the European Union have limited impact. However, there are some slight differences as regards the advancement and protection of human rights: respondents aged between 15 and 24 and students (43% in both cases) are slightly more receptive to this item than the oldest respondents (37% of those aged 55 or over). There are also variations regarding the European Union s participation in resolving conflicts and peacekeeping/peace building operations, depending on the respondent s perception of the European Union: the more the respondents are positive about the European Union the more they are likely to mention the EU s participation in conflict resolution and peacekeeping. 211

213 212

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